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Your toddler at 30 months

The CDC's 30-month checklist includes saying about 50 words, following two-step instructions, pretend play and jumping off the ground with both feet.

The CDC's milestone checklist for 30 months lists 15 things most children (75% or more) do by 30 months, such as “Says about 50 words” and “Jumps off the ground with both feet”. 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 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

  1. Two steps

    Give two-step instructions: "Put the toy down and close the door." Then let your child give you two.

  2. Color hunt

    Ask "Which one is red?" and find red things around the house together. Then try blue.

  3. Look at me!

    Put on a little show: your child jumps or dances and you clap, then swap.

Things to say

  • “First shoes, then coat.”
  • “Which one is red?”
  • “Look at you! You jumped so high!”

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

The Grand Old Duke of York. March up and down, stand tall on "up", crouch on "down" and stop halfway.

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

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 30-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 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

Your toddler at 30 months

What most children do by 30 months

  • 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.”
  • 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”
  • 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?”
  • 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

Play today

  • Two steps
  • Color hunt
  • Look at me!

Say

  • “First shoes, then coat.”
  • “Which one is red?”
  • “Look at you! You jumped so high!”

Read or sing

The Grand Old Duke of York

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/30-months

Sources