Babies grow at their own pace — this covers around 30 months.

Your baby this month

By 2.5 years, most toddlers can twist things, like doorknobs or lids.

Most toddlers this age say around 50 words.

You this month

Babyproofing helps now. Cover outlets and use stair gates. Anchor heavy furniture too.

Simple play like playdough, a tricycle, and dress-up all suit this age.

Your baby at 33 months

Milestones and care guidance below are for around 30 months, the nearest CDC checkpoint.

Typical milestones (a guide, not a test)

Cognitive (learning/thinking)

  • Uses things to pretend, like feeding a block to a doll as if it were foodCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Shows simple problem-solving skills, like standing on a small stool to reach somethingCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Follows two-step instructions like "Put the toy down and close the door."CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Shows he knows at least one color, like pointing to a red crayon when you ask, "Which one is red?"CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Language & Communication

  • Says about 50 wordsCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Says two or more words together, with one action word, like "Doggie run"CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Names things in a book when you point and ask, "What is this?"CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Says words like "I," "me," or "we"CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Movement & Physical

  • Uses hands to twist things, like turning doorknobs or unscrewing lidsCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Takes some clothes off by himself, like loose pants or an open jacketCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Jumps off the ground with both feetCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Turns book pages, one at a time, when you read to herCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Social & Emotional

  • Plays next to other children and sometimes plays with themCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Shows you what she can do by saying, "Look at me!"CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Follows simple routines when told, like helping to pick up toys when you say, "It's clean-up time."CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Feeding

  • Avoid whole nuts, whole grapes, popcorn, hard raw vegetables, chunks of meat/cheese (choking). — modify texture <4 years
  • Introduce common allergens (peanut, egg) from ~6 months in age-appropriate form — early introduction reduces allergy risk (LEAP/EAT). — INTRODUCE from ~6 months

Play & bonding

Keeping baby safe

  • Babyproof: cover outlets, secure cabinets/heavy furniture (anchor to wall), use stair gates., Poison: store medicines, cleaners, and detergents locked and out of reach; keep Poison Control number handy., Choking: avoid whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, hard candy; cut foods small., Water: fence pools; supervise near any water at all times., Car seat: rear-facing until at least age 2 (or seat max).

Part of Toddler: 1 to 3 years.

educational reference only; milestones are general guides — discuss any concerns with a pediatrician. Not a diagnostic tool.

Tips for this stage

  • 10.5-12 hours total. Many toddlers now down to one short nap or none.Source: National Sleep Foundation / AASM pediatric sleep duration recommendation
  • Try regional festival games and songsSource: WHO/UNICEF/World Bank Group — Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood Development (2018)
  • Involve toddler in setting the tableSource: WHO/UNICEF/World Bank Group — Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood Development (2018)
  • Plan a preschool visit if enrollment is being consideredSource: WHO/UNICEF/World Bank Group — Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood Development (2018)
  • Keep a consistent wind-down routine before bedSource: AAP — HealthyChildren.org, Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need?