Developmental milestones record - 18 months

The typical 18-month-old child will demonstrate certain physical and mental skills. These skills are called developmental milestones.

Information

All children develop a little differently. If you are concerned about your child's development, talk to your child's health care provider.

PHYSICAL AND MOTOR SKILL MARKERS

The typical 18-month-old:

• Has a closed soft spot on the front of the head
• Is growing at a slower rate and has less of an appetite compared to the months before
• Is able to control the muscles used to urinate and have bowel movements, but may not be ready to use the toilet
• Runs stiffly and falls often
• Is able to get onto small chairs without help
• Walks up stairs while holding on with one hand
• Can build a tower of 2 to 4 blocks
• Can use a spoon and cup with help to feed self
• Imitates scribbling
• Can turn 2 or 3 pages of a book at a time

SENSORY AND COGNITIVE MARKERS

The typical 18-month-old:

• Shows affection
• Has separation anxiety
• Listens to a story or looks at pictures
• Can say 10 or more words when asked
• Kisses parents with lips puckered
• Identifies one or more parts of the body
• Understands and is able to point to and identify common objects
• Often imitates
• Is able to take off some clothing items, such as gloves, hats, and socks
• Begins to feel a sense of ownership, identifying people and objects by saying "my"

PLAY RECOMMENDATIONS

• Encourage and provide the necessary space for physical activity.
• Provide safe copies of adult tools and equipment for the child to play with.
• Allow the child to help around the house and participate in the family's daily responsibilities.
• Encourage play that involves building and creativity.
• Read to the child.
• Encourage play dates with children of the same age.
• Avoid television and other screen time before age 2.
• Play simple games together, such as puzzles and shape sorting.
• Use a transitional object to help with separation anxiety.