Your toddler at 13 months

Between the CDC's 1-year and 15-month checklists. Coming up by 15 months: a few steps alone, stacking two blocks and trying a word or two besides “mama” or “dada”.

There's no CDC checklist for 13 months; the CDC's checklists come at 1 year and 15 months. By 1 year, most children (75% or more) do things like “Pulls up to stand”. Coming up by 15 months: “Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks”. Both lists are below, with this month's play, talk and reading ideas.

Checked October 29, 2026.

Already, by 1 year

Social/Emotional Milestones

Plays games with you, like pat-a-cake

Language/Communication Milestones

Waves “bye-bye”
Calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name
Understands “no” (pauses briefly or stops when you say it)

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Puts something in a container, like a block in a cup
Looks for things he sees you hide, like a toy under a blanket

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

Pulls up to stand
Walks, holding on to furniture
Drinks from a cup without a lid, as you hold it
Picks things up between thumb and pointer finger, like small bits of food

From the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklist, Milestones by 1 year, word for word (CDC page dated May 15, 2026; checked October 29, 2026). These are things most children (75% or more) can do by 1 year. The CDC's page has a photo or video of each one.

Coming up, by 15 months

Social/Emotional Milestones

Copies other children while playing, like taking toys out of a container when another child does
Shows you an object she likes
Claps when excited
Hugs stuffed doll or other toy
Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, or kisses you)

Language/Communication Milestones

Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog
Looks at a familiar object when you name it
Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, he gives you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, “Give me the toy.”
Points to ask for something or to get help

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book
Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

Takes a few steps on his own
Uses fingers to feed herself some food

From the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklist, Milestones by 15 months, word for word (CDC page dated May 15, 2026; checked October 29, 2026). These are things most children (75% or more) can do by 15 months. The CDC's page has a photo or video of each one.

Play today

Two-block tower
Stack two big blocks and knock them down together. Then hand your toddler the blocks to try.
Push the basket
Let your toddler push a sturdy laundry basket or box across the floor, with a teddy riding inside.
Safety: On a flat floor, away from stairs.
Name it as you go
Point to things on a walk or around the house and name them: "Dog. Tree. Shoe." Wait to see if your toddler looks.

Things to say

“Ball! You found the ball.”
“Push, push, push!”
“Crash! Let's build it again.”

Say it, then wait. Give your toddler time to answer with a look, a sound or a word, and answer back.

A song to sing

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. Touch each part slowly, then a little faster once your toddler knows it.

The words are on Peabody's Songs with actions list.

Questions parents ask about this age

When do babies crawl?By 1 year: Pulls up to stand
When do babies pull up to stand?By 1 year: Pulls up to stand
When do babies wave?By 1 year: Waves “bye-bye”
When do babies say mama or dada?By 1 year: Calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name
When do babies clap?By 1 year: Plays games with you, like pat-a-cake
When do babies cruise along furniture?By 1 year: Walks, holding on to furniture
When do babies walk?By 15 months: Takes a few steps on his own
When do babies start talking?By 15 months: Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog
When do babies point?By 15 months: Points to ask for something or to get help
When do babies understand no?By 1 year: Understands “no” (pauses briefly or stops when you say it)
When do babies look for hidden toys?By 9 months: Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like his spoon or toy)
When do toddlers play with other kids?By 30 months: Plays next to other children and sometimes plays with them
When do toddlers follow directions?By 15 months: Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, he gives you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, “Give me the toy.”

Talk to your pediatrician if…

Your toddler isn't doing the things on the CDC's 1-year list, has lost a skill they once had, or you're worried for any reason. Things on the 15-month list are still coming.

You know your child best. Don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.
CDC, Learn the Signs. Act Early.

If you or the doctor are still concerned, the CDC says to ask for a referral to a specialist, and to call your state's early intervention program (find the number on the CDC's list). You do not need to wait for a doctor's referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call. If your child is younger than 3 years old, contact your local early intervention system.

More from the CDC: Concerned about your child's development? If your child seems unwell, call your pediatrician, or 911 in an emergency.

What the CDC suggests you share with the doctor

What are some things you and your child do together?
What are some things your child likes to do?
Is there anything your child does or does not do that concerns you?
Has your child lost any skills he/she once had?
Does your child have any special healthcare needs or was he/she born prematurely?

From the CDC's Milestones by 15 months page. The CDC suggests filling in a milestone checklist and sharing it with your child's doctor; its Milestone Tracker app is free.

Peabody Parents