Your toddler at 33 months

Between the CDC's 30-month and 3-year checklists. Coming up by 3 years: asking “who”, “what”, “where” or “why” questions, saying their first name and drawing a circle when you show how.

There's no CDC checklist for 33 months; the CDC's checklists come at 30 months and 3 years. By 30 months, most children (75% or more) do things like “Uses things to pretend, like feeding a block to a doll as if it were food”. Coming up by 3 years: “Draws a circle, when you show him how”. Both lists are below, with this month's play, talk and reading ideas.

Checked October 29, 2026.

Already, 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.

Coming up, by 3 years

Social/Emotional Milestones

Calms down within 10 minutes after you leave her, like at a childcare drop off
Notices other children and joins them to play

Language/Communication Milestones

Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges
Asks “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, like “Where is mommy/daddy?”
Says what action is happening in a picture or book when asked, like “running,” “eating,” or “playing”
Says first name, when asked
Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the time

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Draws a circle, when you show him how
Avoids touching hot objects, like a stove, when you warn her

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

Strings items together, like large beads or macaroni
Puts on some clothes by himself, like loose pants or a jacket
Uses a fork

From the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklist, Milestones by 3 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 3 years. The CDC's page has a photo or video of each one.

Play today

Draw a circle
Draw a big circle on paper, say "round and round", and help your child draw one too.
Question walk
On a walk, ask "What's that? Where's it going?" and welcome every question back.
Dress-up box
Fill a box with loose old clothes, hats and bags for putting on and taking off.
Safety: Leave out anything with long cords or strings.

Things to say

“Round and round, a circle!”
“Where do you think it's going?”
“What's your name? Tell Teddy.”

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

Jack Be Nimble. Jump over a rolled-up towel on "jumped over". Say your child's name instead of Jack.

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

Questions parents ask about this age

When do toddlers jump?By 30 months: Jumps off the ground with both feet
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 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 start asking why?By 3 years: Asks “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, like “Where is mommy/daddy?”
When do toddlers talk in sentences?By 3 years: Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges
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 30-month list, has lost a skill they once had, or you're worried for any reason. Things on the 3-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 3 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