Skip to the content
Peabody ParentsTalk, play, read and grow, from day one

Your toddler at 15 months

The CDC's 15-month checklist includes taking a few steps alone, stacking two small objects, pointing to ask for something and trying one or two words besides “mama” or “dada”.

The CDC's milestone checklist for 15 months lists 13 things most children (75% or more) do by 15 months, such as “Takes a few steps on his own” and “Points to ask for something or to get help”. Many do them sooner. If your toddler isn't doing one or more of them, or has lost a skill, the CDC says don't wait: talk with your child's doctor.

Checked October 29, 2026.

What most children do 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

  1. Walk to me

    Kneel a few steps away with open arms and cheer each step. Move back a little each time.

  2. Clap for good things

    Make a game of clapping when good things happen: the tower stays up, the ball goes in the basket.

  3. Point and get

    When your toddler points, name the thing and hand it over: "The cup? Here's the cup."

Things to say

  • “You walked! Step, step!”
  • “You're pointing at the dog. Woof!”
  • “Yay! Clap, clap!”

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

A book to share

A board book of animals. Name each animal and make its sound, and let your toddler turn the thick pages.

Your library has board books and picture books to borrow, and most run free story times.

Questions parents ask about this age

Talk to your pediatrician if…

Your toddler isn't doing one or more of the things on the CDC's 15-month list above, has lost a skill they once had, or you're worried for any reason.

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.

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

Your toddler at 15 months

What most children do by 15 months

  • 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)
  • 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
  • Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book
  • Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks
  • Takes a few steps on his own
  • Uses fingers to feed herself some food

Play today

  • Walk to me
  • Clap for good things
  • Point and get

Say

  • “You walked! Step, step!”
  • “You're pointing at the dog. Woof!”
  • “Yay! Clap, clap!”

Read or sing

A board book of animals

Worried?

Talk to your pediatrician. Don't wait.

Milestones in the CDC's words, from “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” (most children, 75% or more, do these by that age). parent.peabody.kids/age/15-months

Sources