30 Month Old Developmental Milestones
By 30 months, toddlers say about 50 words, put two or more words together with an action word, and use things to pretend. Here are the milestones most children reach by 30 months.
What most children do by 30 Months
- Plays next to other children and sometimes plays with them
- Shows you what they 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 they know 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 themselves, 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 them
Talk to your doctor right away if your child:
- Loses skills they once had (for example, words or social smiles)
- Doesn't respond to their name or make eye contact
- Isn't babbling, pointing, or using gestures by 12 months
- Isn't saying single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by 24 months
- Has trouble with feeding, swallowing, or muscle stiffness/floppiness
Trust your instincts — you know your child best. Acting early makes a real difference.
Worried your child is behind?
Early Intervention evaluations are free in every U.S. state — no referral or diagnosis needed. Get a personalized action plan in minutes.
Start your free action planMilestones by age
Milestones are based on the CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." program. Every child develops at their own pace. EarlyBegin helps you know what to do next — it doesn't diagnose or give medical advice. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician.