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When do toddlers walk up stairs?

The CDC's milestone checklist lists “Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help” by 2 years. That means most children (75% or more) walk up a few stairs by their second birthday, holding on or not. Before that, by 18 months, it lists climbing on and off a couch or chair. 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
18 monthsClimbs on and off a couch or chair without helpYour toddler at 18 months
2 yearsWalks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without helpYour toddler at 24 months

Each row is from the CDC's checklist for that age (18 months, 2 years), checked October 29, 2026.

What “by 2 years” 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 2 years” isn't an average. Many children do it sooner, and the checklists don't list everything a child learns.

What it can look like

Holding your hand or the rail, bringing both feet onto each step before the next.

What helps

  • Practice on a few stairs, holding hands. Always with you.
  • Count the steps out loud as you go.
  • Use safety gates when you're not right there.

Talk to your pediatrician if…

Your child isn't doing this by 2 years, 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