Milestones at 30 months
The 30-month checklist, also new in 2022, is where "about 50 words" and two-word phrases with an action word appear. Pretend play, simple problem-solving and following two-step instructions show up in the cognitive section, and children start to show off what they can do. AAP recommends a developmental screening at this visit.
CDC's 30-month checklist lists 15 milestones: 3 social and emotional, 4 language and communication, 4 cognitive and 4 movement and physical development. The largest group at this age is language and communication, with 4 items. Each one is something most children (75% or more) can do by 30 months, so many children do it earlier.
AAP recommends general developmental screening with a standardized, validated tool at the 30-month visit, so this is a good checkup to bring the checklist to. The checkpoint before this one is 2 years, with 13 milestones. The next is 3 years, with 12.
AAP recommends general developmental screening with a standardized, validated tool at the 30-month well-child visit. Next checkpoint: 3 years.
Screening ages: AAP, via CDCSocial and emotional3 items
“Plays next to other children and sometimes plays with them”
Most children (75%+) by 30 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Shows you what she can do by saying, “Look at me!””
Most children (75%+) by 30 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Follows simple routines when told, like helping to pick up toys when you say, “It’s clean-up time.””
Most children (75%+) by 30 months · many earlier · Source: CDC
Language and communication4 items
“Says about 50 words”
Most children (75%+) by 30 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Says two or more words together, with one action word, like “Doggie run””
Most children (75%+) by 30 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Names things in a book when you point and ask, “What is this?””
Most children (75%+) by 30 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Says words like “I,” “me,” or “we””
Most children (75%+) by 30 months · many earlier · Source: CDC
Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)4 items
“Uses things to pretend, like feeding a block to a doll as if it were food”
Most children (75%+) by 30 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Shows simple problem-solving skills, like standing on a small stool to reach something”
Most children (75%+) by 30 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Follows two-step instructions like “Put the toy down and close the door.””
Most children (75%+) by 30 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Shows he knows at least one color, like pointing to a red crayon when you ask, “Which one is red?””
Most children (75%+) by 30 months · many earlier · Source: CDC
Movement and physical development4 items
“Uses hands to twist things, like turning doorknobs or unscrewing lids”
Most children (75%+) by 30 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Takes some clothes off by himself, like loose pants or an open jacket”
Most children (75%+) by 30 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Jumps off the ground with both feet”
Most children (75%+) by 30 months · many earlier · Source: CDC“Turns book pages, one at a time, when you read to her”
Most children (75%+) by 30 months · many earlier · Source: CDC
Checklist items quoted from CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” milestones for 30 months (Source: CDC). “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” materials are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools.
If something is “not yet”
“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.”
Source: CDC, milestone checklist for 30 months
- Write down the items you answered “Not yet” or “Not sure”, with an example of what you see at home.
- Bring the list to your child’s doctor and ask whether a developmental screening is a good next step.
- Under 3? Call your state’s early intervention program and ask for a free evaluation. You don’t need a referral.
- 3 or older? Call your local public elementary school and ask for a preschool special education evaluation.