Milestones for an 18-Month-Old Child

Overview

Children usually progress in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. But each child grows and gains skills at their own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area, such as language, but behind in another, such as movement and physical development.

Milestones usually are grouped into five major areas: physical growth, cognitive development, emotional and social development, language and communication development, and movement and physical development.

Physical growth

Most children by 18 months of age:

• Gain weight and grow at a steady but slower pace than during their first 12 months of life. Between 12 and 24 months of age, expect your child to gain about 3 lb (1.4 kg) to 5 lb (2.3 kg), grow an average of 3 in. (7.6 cm) to 5 in. (12.7 cm), and gain about 1 in. (2.5 cm) in head circumference. (This is the measurement around the top of the head.)
• Are starting to lose the "baby" look. Your child, who is now in fast motion much of the time, gradually adopts a leaner frame. Your child's head is still large in proportion to the rest of their body. But by 18 months of age, the face is not as "chubby." People may comment that your child is starting to look like a "little boy" or a "little girl."
• Get their first molars. They may also get their canine teeth (also called "eye teeth").
• Don't nap as much in the morning, or they give up this nap time completely. But they still need to sleep about 11 to 14 hours in a 24-hour period.

Cognitive development (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Most children by 18 months of age:

• Will copy you when you do household chores like sweep the floor.
• Will play with toys in a basic way, like pushing a toy car.

Emotional and social development

Most children by 18 months of age:

• Move away from you but look back to make sure you are nearby.
• Point to show you something.
• Put out their hands for an adult to wash them.
• Look at a few pages in a book with you.
• Help with getting dressed by pushing their own arm through a sleeve or lifting up a foot.

Language and communication development

Most children by 18 months of age:

• Try to say three or more words besides "mama" and "dada."
• Follow one-step directions without any gestures. For example, they can give you a toy when you ask for it.

Movement and physical development

Most children by 18 months of age:

• Walk by themselves.
• Scribble with a crayon.
• Drink from a cup without a lid. They may spill sometimes.
• Feed themselves with their fingers.
• Try to use a spoon.
• Climb on and off a chair or couch by themselves.