Is My Toddler Meeting Developmental Milestones? What to Look For From 12 to 30 Months
Every parent and caregiver has had the quiet thought: Is my child doing what they should be doing?
If you have wondered, you are not alone, and asking the question is a good sign. It means you are paying attention. Children grow at their own pace, and a skill that comes a little later is often nothing to worry about. But in the first three years of life, a child's brain is building connections faster than at any other time. That is why checking in early matters.
Below is a simple guide to what many children can do by 12, 18, 24 and 30 months, based on the milestones published by the CDC. Use it as a conversation starter, not a test.
By 12 months
Plays simple back-and-forth games with you, like clapping
Waves goodbye
Calls a parent "mama," "dada," or another special name
Understands "no" and pauses when you say it
Puts an object in a container and looks for things you hide in plain sight
Pulls up to stand and walks while holding on to furniture
Picks up small bits of food with thumb and pointer finger
By 18 months
Tries to say ten to twenty words
Follows a simple one-step direction without you pointing or showing, like "Give it to me"
Points to show you something interesting
Copies you doing chores, like sweeping
Walks on their own and climbs on and off a couch or chair
Scribbles and tries to use a spoon
By 24 months (2 years)
Puts two words together, like "more milk"
Says on average 100-300 words
Points to at least two body parts when you ask
Uses gestures beyond waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes
Notices when others are hurt or upset
Plays with more than one toy at a time
Kicks a ball, runs, and walks up a few stairs
Eats with a spoon
By 30 months (2½ years)
Puts three words together
Follows two-step directions, like "Get your shoes and bring them here"
Uses toys for pretend play, like feeding a doll
Plays alongside other children and sometimes joins them
Jumps off the ground with both feet
Turns book pages one at a time
What if my child isn't doing some of these things?
Don't wait and see. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost a skill they once had, or you simply have a concern, trust that feeling and take action:
Talk to your child's doctor and ask for a developmental screening. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine screening at 9, 18 and 30 months, and autism screening at 18 and 24 months, and any time a parent or provider has a concern.
Contact BabyNet, South Carolina's Early Intervention program for children from birth to age 3. You do not have to wait for a doctor to start the conversation. Parents and caregivers can reach out, and so can doctors and childcare providers.
Reach out to us. We help caregivers understand what they are seeing, and we coach families on how to support their child's development during everyday routines like meals, bath time and play.
A milestone list is not a diagnosis, and it does not replace a screening done by a professional. A child who is behind on one skill may simply need a little extra support, and getting that support early can make a big difference.
How we help
ABC Early Intervention serves families with children ages 0 to 3 in Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson counties. Our Early Interventionists walk alongside caregivers, teaching simple strategies you can use at home so that progress happens in the moments you already share with your child.
One screening can make a world of difference. If you have a question about your child's development, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today or learn more about our services.
Source for milestones: CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestone checklists (cdc.gov/ActEarly). This post is for general education and is not medical advice.
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