Definition

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

Alternative Names

Growth milestones for children - 18 months; Normal childhood growth milestones - 18 months; Childhood growth milestones - 18 months; Well child - 18 months

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 (fontanelle closure)
• 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 years.
• Play simple games together, such as puzzles and shape sorting.
• Use a transitional object to help with separation anxiety.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Practice & Ambulatory Medicine. 2024 Recommendations for preventive pediatric health care: Policy statement. Pediatrics.2024;154(1):e2024067201. PMID: 38910527 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38910527/.

Carter RG, Feigelman S. The second year. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 24.

Marcdante KJ, Kliegman RM, Schuh AM. Normal development. In: Marcdante KJ, Kliegman RM, Schuh AM, eds. Nelson Essentials of Pediatrics. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 7.