Your toddler at 16 months

Between the CDC's 15-month and 18-month checklists. Coming up by 18 months: walking without holding on, scribbling and copying you doing chores.

There's no CDC checklist for 16 months; the CDC's checklists come at 15 months and 18 months. By 15 months, most children (75% or more) do things like “Takes a few steps on his own”. Coming up by 18 months: “Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom”. Both lists are below, with this month's play, talk and reading ideas.

Checked October 29, 2026.

Already, 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.

Coming up, by 18 months

Social/Emotional Milestones

Moves away from you, but looks to make sure you are close by
Points to show you something interesting
Puts hands out for you to wash them
Looks at a few pages in a book with you
Helps you dress him by pushing arm through sleeve or lifting up foot

Language/Communication Milestones

Tries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”
Follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say, “Give it to me.”

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom
Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

Walks without holding on to anyone or anything
Scribbles
Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimes
Feeds himself with his fingers
Tries to use a spoon
Climbs on and off a couch or chair without help

From the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklist, Milestones by 18 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 18 months. The CDC's page has a photo or video of each one.

Play today

Little helper
Give your toddler a dust cloth or a small broom while you tidy, and let them "help".
First scribbles
Tape a big sheet of paper to the table and give your toddler one chunky crayon.
Safety: Stay with them; crayons aren't for eating.
Bath pouring
In the bath, pour water from one plastic cup to another, and let your toddler try.
Safety: Stay within arm's reach every moment there's water, even a little.

Things to say

“You're helping! Wipe, wipe.”
“Round and round. You made a line!”
“Pour it in. Splash!”

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

A rhyme to share

Rub-a-Dub-Dub. Sing it at bath time, and count the three people in the tub on your fingers.

The words are on Peabody's Nursery rhymes with lyrics list.

Questions parents ask about this age

When do babies clap?By 1 year: Plays games with you, like pat-a-cake
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 toddlers run?By 2 years: Runs
When do toddlers walk up stairs?By 2 years: Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help
When do toddlers use a spoon?By 18 months: Tries to use a spoon
When do toddlers scribble?By 18 months: Scribbles
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.”
When do toddlers dress themselves?By 30 months: Takes some clothes off by himself, like loose pants or an open jacket

Talk to your pediatrician if…

Your toddler isn't doing the things on the CDC's 15-month list, has lost a skill they once had, or you're worried for any reason. Things on the 18-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 18 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