Happy African American family with their little girl.

15 Month Online Milestone Checklist







A boy taking a few steps on his own

How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about your child’s development. Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. Check the milestones your child has reached by the end of 15 months by completing the checklist below. Share it with your child’s doctor, teacher, and other providers, and be sure to talk about the milestones your child has reached and what to expect next.

Checking children’s development regularly is important. CDC’s free Milestone Tracker app is also available to complete the checklists, with reminders and helpful tips on the go!  Available on the AppStoreexternal icon and GooglePlayexternal icon.

Your Child at 15 months

Milestones matter! Check the milestones your child has reached by 15 months by completing the checklist below.

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CDC does not collect or share any personal information that can be used to identify you or your child.

What Most Babies Do by this Age:

Social/Emotional

Copies other children while playing, like taking toys out of a container when another child does




Shows you an object she likes




Claps when excited




Hugs stuffed doll or other toy




Shows you affection




Language/Communication

Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog




Looks at a familiar object when you name it




Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, she gives you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, Give me the toy.




Points to ask for something or to get help




Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book




Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks




Movement/Physical Development

Takes a few steps on his own




Uses fingers to feed herself some food




Selected “not sure”? Watch for these milestones over the next week or two. Try some things with your child that gives him/her the chance to show the milestone. If you’re still not seeing the milestone, see the steps below.

Selected “not yet” or have other concerns or questions about your child’s development? Talk with your child’s doctor, teacher and/or another trusted provider. Share the checklist and any questions or concerns you might have. Ask about developmental screening. It’s recommended for all children. If you, the doctor, teacher, or other provider is still concerned after screening, ask to be connected with (1) a specialist who can learn more about your child AND (2) with services and other supports that may help. Visit www.cdc.gov/Concerned for more information.


– Share the checklist with your child’s healthcare provider, early educator, WIC Clinic, or other care providers by FORWARDING the email you receive.
– Be sure to add your child’s name and birthdate (if needed) when forwarding the checklist so your provider can identify it as your child’s.