Prenatal 2 Months 4 Months 6 Months 9 Months 12 Months 15 Months 18 Months 2 Years 30 Months 3 Years 4 Years 5 Years
Prenatal 2 Months 4 Months 6 Months 9 Months 12 Months 15 Months 18 Months 2 Years 30 Months 3 Years 4 Years 5 Years

Milestones Your Child at 30 Months*

Milestones matter. How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about your child’s development. Check the milestones your child has reached by 30 months old. Talk with your child’s doctor at every well visit about the milestones your child has reached and what you can expect in the months ahead.

A young girl dressed in a yellow raincoat and boots is jumping in a puddle.

Most 30-month-olds can do these things:

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.”

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?”

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”

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

* IT’S TIME FOR A DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING

At 30 months, your child is due for general development screening as recommended for all children by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ask the doctor about your child’s developmental screening.

  • 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?

 

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 – it can make a big difference. Talk with your child’s doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.

If you or the doctor are still concerned:

  • Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your child more.
  • Visit Nevada’s Early Intervention Services web page, or call (800) 522-0066 to find out if your child can get services to help.
  • For more on how to help your child click here and visit cdc.gov/Concerned.

 

As your child’s first teacher, you can help his or her learning and brain development. Try these simple tips and activities in a safe way. Talk with your child’s doctor and teachers if you have questions or for more ideas on how to help your child’s development.

  • Encourage “free play,” where your child can follow her interests, try new things, and use things in new ways.
  • Use positive words and give more attention to behaviors you want to see (“wanted behaviors”), than to those you don’t want to see. For example, say “I like how you gave Jordan the toy.”
  • Give your child food choices that are simple and healthy. Let him choose what to eat for a snack or what to wear. Limit choices to two or three. Ask your child simple questions about books and stories.
  • Ask questions, such as “Who?” “What?” and “Where?” Help your child learn how to play with other children.
  • Show him how by helping him share, take turns, and use his “words.”
  • Let your child “draw” with crayons on paper, shaving cream on a tray, or chalk on a sidewalk. If you draw a straight line, see if she will copy you. When she gets good at lines, show her how to draw a circle.
  • Let your child play with other children, such as at a park or library. Ask about local play groups and pre-school programs. Playing with others helps him learn the value of sharing and friendship.
  • Eat family meals together as much as you can. Give the same meal to everyone. Enjoy each other’s company and avoid screen time (TV, tablets, and phones, etc.) during meals.
  • Limit screen time (TV, tablets, phones, etc.) to no more than 1 hour per day of a children’s program with an adult present. Children learn by talking, playing, and interacting with others.
  • Use words to describe things to your child, such as big/small, fast/slow, on/off, and in/out.
  • Help your child do simple puzzles with shapes, colors, or animals. Name each piece when your child puts it in place.
  • Play with your child outside. For example, take your child to the park to climb on equipment and run in safe areas.
  • Allow your child to eat as much or as little as she wants at each meal. Your job is to offer her healthy foods and it’s your child’s job to decide if and how much she wants to eat.

To see more tips and activities, download CDC’s Milestone Tracker app.

These milestones are not a substitute for a standardized, validated developmental screening tool. These developmental milestones show what most children (75% or more) can do by each age. Subject matter experts selected these milestones based on available data and expert consensus. Milestones information published here is based on the information and guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What is a Developmental Milestone? (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


Sign Up for the First 5 Nevada Newsletter

Questions, inquiries, or need help?

This campaign is supported with funding from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Child Care and Development Fund through the America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) administered by the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services Child Care and Development Program (Federal Grant #2021, G990232) and the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5) (Federal Grant #90TP099) administered by the Nevada Department of Education, Office of Early Learning and Development, subawarded to The Children’s Cabinet. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Departments, Division, Office nor ACF.

© First 5 Nevada | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Website by Purdue Marion & Associates and 37 Gears