When do toddlers…?

Running, jumping, two-word sentences, pretend play, playing with other kids and dressing: the CDC's age for each, and what helps.

Each answer here gives the age on the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklists: the age by which most children (75% or more) do it, so many do it sooner. Each page quotes the CDC's milestone word for word, says what helps at home, and when to talk to your pediatrician.

Checked October 29, 2026.

The questions

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 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
When do toddlers show empathy?By 2 years: Notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is crying

A word about “by”

Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. The CDC chose 75% so that even one missing milestone is a reason to talk with the doctor, rather than to wait and see. If your child isn't doing something by the age on the list, has lost a skill, or you're worried, the CDC's advice is “Don't wait.”

Sources

CDC, Key Points about CDC's Developmental Milestone Checklists (checked October 29, 2026)
CDC, CDC's Developmental Milestones: Concerned about your child's development? Act early. (checked October 29, 2026)