Developmental Milestones Record – 18 Months
The typical 18-month-old child will demonstrate certain physical and mental skills. These skills are called developmental milestones.
All children develop a little differently. If you are concerned about your child’s development, talk to your child’s health care provider.
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
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”
- 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.
Growth milestones for children – 18 months; Normal childhood growth milestones – 18 months; Childhood growth milestones – 18 months; Well child – 18 months.
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.
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