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By Ciprian H. · checked against CDC, AAP and NHS guidance · how we fact-check

Published 3 min read

First steps and first words: what to expect at 13 to 15 months (weeks 52 to 65)

Window 6 of the Fussy Phase Forecast · Last verified: October 24, 2026

The short answer

This window is about first steps and first words, and neither has a deadline. By 15 months, most children take a few steps on their own and try one or two words besides mama and dada. "Most" leaves a lot of room: the official lists describe what at least 75 percent of children do, not what every child must.

Illustration of two stacked blocks next to a tiny shoe

A few steps, not a marathon

The CDC 15-month checklist says children take a few steps on their own (CDC milestone checklist). That is the whole milestone: a few wobbly steps, often ending with a sit-down. Walking steadily without holding on to anyone or anything is on the 18-month list, so for many children it comes later still.

If your child is still cruising along the furniture at 14 months, that is the 12-month milestone doing its job. Falls are part of the practice. A quick look around at child height, at corners, stairs and open doors, is worth doing now that they are on the move.

Words, pointing, and ba for ball

At 15 months the CDC lists four things in the language column:

  • 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
  • Points to ask for something or to get help

Notice how much of that is not talking. Understanding comes first, and pointing counts as communication. A child who points at the ball, looks at you, and gets the ball is already having a conversation. If you say the word back in a short sentence (“You want the ball”), you are giving them the word to try next.

Hugs, claps, and copying

The social side gets warmer in this window. The 15-month list includes giving you affection (hugs, cuddles or kisses), hugging a stuffed doll or other toy, clapping when excited, showing you an object they like, and copying other children while playing (CDC).

On the thinking side: trying to use things the right way, like a phone, cup or book, and stacking at least two small objects. Two blocks is a tower at this age. Celebrate accordingly.

One more rough patch, maybe, around week 62

The 1992 week-by-week research described fussy clusters at weeks 5, 8, 12, 17, 26, 30, 36, 44 and 52, and one more around week 62 (the research, reviewed here). A later study followed four babies from birth to about 15 months and did not find the strict timing pattern. It was a small study, so it does not close the question, but it is a good reason to treat week 62 as a possibility and not a schedule.

If a week is bumpier than the one before, you do not need a calendar to explain it. New skills and big feelings often arrive together.

What most children do by 15 months

The full CDC list (CDC, scientific basis in Zubler et al., Pediatrics 2022):

  • Copies other children while playing, like taking toys out of a container when another child does
  • Shows you an object they like
  • Claps when excited
  • Hugs a stuffed doll or other toy
  • Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, or kisses you)
  • 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
  • Points to ask for something or to get help
  • Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book
  • Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks
  • Takes a few steps on their own
  • Uses fingers to feed themselves some food

Born early? Keep counting from the due date. The adjusted age matters through toddlerhood, and it is what our forecast uses.

When to call your pediatrician

Talk with your doctor

The CDC's advice holds at every age: if your child is missing one or more of these milestones by 15 months, or has lost skills they once had, do not wait and see. Talk with the doctor and ask about developmental screening.

And your own concern is reason enough to call.

Keep reading

Sources

Peanutbean provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Every child develops at their own pace. Always talk to your pediatrician about your child’s health.

Common questions

Should my 15-month-old be walking?

The CDC 15-month checklist says most children take a few steps on their own by then. Walking without holding on to anyone or anything is on the 18-month checklist, so a 15-month-old who cruises the furniture and is not yet walking alone is within the range the checklists describe.

How many words should a 15-month-old say?

The CDC 15-month checklist lists trying to say one or two words besides mama or dada, like ba for ball. Pointing to ask for something, looking at a familiar object when you name it, and following directions that come with a gesture count as communication too.

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Peanutbean provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Every baby develops at their own pace. Always talk to your pediatrician about your child's health.