Your toddler at 24 months

Two years old. The CDC's 2-year checklist includes running, kicking a ball, saying two words together and noticing when others are hurt or upset.

The CDC's milestone checklist for 2 years lists 13 things most children (75% or more) do by 2 years, such as “Says at least two words together, like ‘More milk.’” and “Kicks a ball”. 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 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

Kick and chase
Kick a ball and race your toddler to get it. Let them win sometimes.
Book hunt
On each page of a favorite book, ask "Where's the...?" and let your toddler find it.
Make it better
When a stuffed toy "falls", ask "Is Teddy sad? What can we do?" and give it a hug together.

Things to say

“More milk? You said more milk!”
“Is Teddy okay? Let's give a hug.”
“Kick! Run! Got it!”

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 book with a line that repeats on every page. Read it often, and pause on the repeating line so your two-year-old can say it with you.

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

Questions parents ask about this age

When do babies wave?By 1 year: Waves “bye-bye”
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 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 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 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 one or more of the things on the CDC's 2-year 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.
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