Your toddler at 21 months

Between the CDC's 18-month and 2-year checklists. Coming up by 2 years: playing with more than one toy at a time and trying switches, knobs or buttons on a toy.

There's no CDC checklist for 21 months; the CDC's checklists come at 18 months and 2 years. By 18 months, most children (75% or more) do things like “Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car”. Coming up by 2 years: “Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy”. Both lists are below, with this month's play, talk and reading ideas.

Checked October 29, 2026.

Already, 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.

Coming up, by 2 years

Social/Emotional Milestones

Notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is crying
Looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation

Language/Communication Milestones

Points to things in a book when you ask, like “Where is the bear?”
Says at least two words together, like “More milk.”
Points to at least two body parts when you ask him to show you
Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Holds something in one hand while using the other hand; for example, holding a container and taking the lid off
Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy
Plays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plate

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

Kicks a ball
Runs
Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help
Eats with a spoon

From the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklist, Milestones by 2 years, word for word (CDC page dated May 15, 2026; checked October 29, 2026). These are things most children (75% or more) can do by 2 years. The CDC's page has a photo or video of each one.

Play today

Lights on, lights off
Let your toddler press the light switch with you: "Lights on. Lights off."
Feelings faces
Make happy, sad and surprised faces in a mirror together and name each one.
Run and stop
Run together across the yard or park, then call "Stop!" and freeze. Take turns being the caller.

Things to say

“Lights on! Lights off!”
“You look sad. That's a sad face.”
“Run, run... stop!”

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

Ten in the Bed. Line up some stuffed toys and roll one off the pillow each time.

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

Questions parents ask about this age

When do babies wave?By 1 year: Waves “bye-bye”
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 kick a ball?By 2 years: Kicks a ball
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 put two words together?By 2 years: Says at least two words together, like “More milk.”
When do toddlers scribble?By 18 months: Scribbles
When do toddlers start pretend play?By 30 months: Uses things to pretend, like feeding a block to a doll as if it were food
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
When do toddlers show empathy?By 2 years: Notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is crying

Talk to your pediatrician if…

Your toddler isn't doing the things on the CDC's 18-month list, has lost a skill they once had, or you're worried for any reason. Things on the 2-year 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 2 years 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