Cognitive
Pretend Play
Typical age: 18 months
Pretend play (feeding a doll, talking on a toy phone, or 'cooking' in a play kitchen) emerges around 18 months. This milestone reflects sophisticated cognitive development: imagination, symbolic thinking, and understanding of social roles.
Signs to Look For
- ✓Pretends to feed a doll or stuffed animal
- ✓Uses objects symbolically (banana as a phone)
- ✓Imitates household activities (sweeping, cooking)
- ✓Engages in simple role-play scenarios
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Every child develops at their own pace. However, talk to your doctor if you notice:
- •No pretend play by 24 months
- •Only lines up or stacks toys, doesn't use them imaginatively
- •Doesn't imitate everyday activities
Keep track of every milestone
Check them off as they happen and see what's coming next, based on the same CDC guidelines.
Open the milestone trackerBased on CDC developmental milestones. This is informational only, not medical advice. Every child develops differently. Consult your pediatrician with any concerns.