Your toddler at 27 months

Between the CDC's 2-year and 30-month checklists. Coming up by 30 months: about 50 words, jumping with both feet and pretend play, like feeding a block to a doll.

There's no CDC checklist for 27 months; the CDC's checklists come at 2 years and 30 months. By 2 years, most children (75% or more) do things like “Runs”. Coming up by 30 months: “Jumps off the ground with both feet”. Both lists are below, with this month's play, talk and reading ideas.

Checked October 29, 2026.

Already, 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.

Coming up, by 30 months

Social/Emotional Milestones

Plays next to other children and sometimes plays with them
Shows you what she can do by saying, “Look at me!”
Follows simple routines when told, like helping to pick up toys when you say, “It’s clean-up time.”

Language/Communication Milestones

Says about 50 words
Says two or more words together, with one action word, like “Doggie run”
Names things in a book when you point and ask, “What is this?”
Says words like “I,” “me,” or “we”

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Uses things to pretend, like feeding a block to a doll as if it were food
Shows simple problem-solving skills, like standing on a small stool to reach something
Follows two-step instructions like “Put the toy down and close the door.”
Shows he knows at least one color, like pointing to a red crayon when you ask, “Which one is red?”

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

Uses hands to twist things, like turning doorknobs or unscrewing lids
Takes some clothes off by himself, like loose pants or an open jacket
Jumps off the ground with both feet
Turns book pages, one at a time, when you read to her

From the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklist, Milestones by 30 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 30 months. The CDC's page has a photo or video of each one.

Play today

Frog jumps
Crouch down and jump with both feet together, like frogs. Count the jumps.
Feed the teddy
Pretend a block is a sandwich and feed a teddy or doll. Ask what Teddy wants next.
Twist it open
Give clean, empty plastic jars with screw-top lids to open and close. Hide a toy inside.

Things to say

“Ribbit! Jump, frog, jump!”
“Teddy's hungry. What's for lunch?”
“Twist, twist. Open!”

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

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe. Count on your fingers as you go, and buckle a real shoe on "three, four".

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 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 jump?By 30 months: Jumps off the ground with both feet
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 play with other kids?By 30 months: Plays next to other children and sometimes plays with them
When do toddlers learn colors?By 30 months: Shows he knows at least one color, like pointing to a red crayon when you ask, “Which one is red?”
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 2-year list, has lost a skill they once had, or you're worried for any reason. Things on the 30-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 30 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