Developmental milestones record - 18 months
Skills and growth milestones of 18-month-old children describes the physical and mental development that is expected for this age.
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 (anterior fontanel)
- Is growing at a slower rate and has less of an appetite compared to months before
- Is able to control the muscles used to urinate and have bowel movements (sphincter muscles), but may not be ready to use the toilet
- Runs with a lack of coordination 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 two to four blocks
- Can use a spoon and cup with help to feed himself
- Imitates scribbling
- Can turn two or three pages of a book at a time
SENSORY AND COGNITIVE MARKERS
The typical 18 month old:
- Shows affection
- Listens to a story or looks at pictures
- Can say 10 or more words when asked
- 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 time before age 2
- Play simple games together, such as puzzles and shape sorting
Alternative Names
Growth milestones for children - 18 months; Normal childhood growth milestones - 18 months; Childhood growth milestones - 18 months
References
Feigelman S. The second year. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 9.
Update Date: 11/2/2010
Updated by: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children’s Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
MedlinePlus Topics
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