Developmental Milestones for Your 18-Month Old

Remember that every child develops at a different pace.  So, not every child will be able to perform all of the following skills.  However, if your child or a child that you know is lacking in a great number of these developmental milestones, please contact your Regional Service Coordinator to arrange a free evaluation.
 

By 18 Months Old I Can: Walk without help Climb up and down on things Stand up and sit down without holding on Like to push, pull, and take things apart Begin to show a "temper" when I can't do something I want Understand simple one-step directions Use more meaningful single words Gesture and use words together "Cling" to caretakers in new situations Hold out arms and legs while being dressed by others Point to objects I want

To Help Me Develop and Keep Me Healthy, My Family Can:

• Let me play alone but within site of familiar people for a few minutes at a time
• Be consistent with my feeding, napping, and bedtime routines
• Divert me from doing things I should not
• Show me what I can do and use very simple one-step directions
• Hold me and read simple stories
• Teach me simple songs, sing them over and over
• At bath time point to and name some of my body parts as you wash
• Wash my hands well before I eat
• Expect I can get into many things and places; toddler-proof inside and outside
• Never leave me near any water source even for a minute or two
• Keep me within your site while you are on the phone
• Since I can be a picky eater, offer choices of new foods but don't force me to try
• Don't pretend that medicine or vitamins are "candy" or a treat
• Brush my teeth daily; toothpaste may be needed so check with my Dentist
• Offer me a variety of foods and let me choose
• Make sure I drink milk and water even though my appetite may occasionally decrease