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When do toddlers start pretend play?

The CDC's milestone checklist lists “Uses things to pretend, like feeding a block to a doll as if it were food” by 30 months. By 4 years it lists pretending to be something else, like a teacher, a superhero or a dog. Most children (75% or more) do these by those ages. Worried? Ask your pediatrician.

Checked October 29, 2026.

What the CDC's checklists say

Milestones from the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklists, word for word
ByThe CDC's milestoneMonth page
2 yearsPlays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plateYour toddler at 24 months
30 monthsUses things to pretend, like feeding a block to a doll as if it were foodYour toddler at 30 months
4 yearsPretends to be something else during play (teacher, superhero, dog)Your child at 4 years

Each row is from the CDC's checklist for that age (2 years, 30 months, 4 years), checked October 29, 2026.

What “by 30 months” means

Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. The CDC puts each milestone at the age by which at least 75% of children would be expected to do it, so that even one missing milestone leads to a conversation with the doctor instead of “wait and see”. So “by 30 months” isn't an average. Many children do it sooner, and the checklists don't list everything a child learns.

What it can look like

Feeding a teddy, talking on a toy phone, then whole games where they're someone else.

What helps

  • Have a pretend tea party with toy cups and a teddy.
  • Use everyday things as props: a box is a car, a block is a phone.
  • Follow your child's lead and play the part they give you.

Talk to your pediatrician if…

Your child isn't doing this by 30 months, the age on the CDC's list, 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.

Sources