Skip to Content
866.621.2769

Allied Physicians Group logo Allied Physicians Group

  • Medical Services
    • Pediatric Services
    • Adult Medicine
    • Allergy & Asthma Care
    • Breastfeeding and Lactation Support
    • Behavioral Health
    • Telehealth Services
    • Pulmonology
    • Sleep Disorders
  • Find a Location
    • Physicians Near Me
    • Pediatrician Near Me
    • All Locations
  • Resources
    • Patient Portal
    • Patient Education
    • Webinars and Videos
    • What to Expect
    • New-Parent Helpline
    • Pediatric Symptom Checker
    • Pediatric Dosage Checker
    • Forms
  • About Us
    • Team
    • Careers
    • Company News
    • Foundation
    • Contact

Bill Pay

    • Pediatric Services
    • Adult Medicine
    • Allergy & Asthma Care
    • Behavioral Health
    • Breastfeeding and Lactation Support
    • Nutrition Services
    • Pulmonology
    • Sleep Disorders
    • Telehealth Services
  • Find a Location
    • Physicians Near Me
    • Pediatrician Near Me
    • All Locations
  • Resources
    • Patient Education
    • Webinars and Videos
    • What to Expect
    • New-Parent Helpline
    • Pediatric Symptom Checker
    • Pediatric Dosage Checker
    • Forms
  • Patient Portal
  • Company News
  • Team
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
    • Careers
    • Foundation
Open Facebook page in new window Open Twitter page in new window Open LinkedIn page in new window Open Instagram page in new window Open Instagram page in new window

Developmental Milestones: 18 Months

Back to Patient Education
Milestones matter! How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offer important clues about his or her development. Look for these developmental milestones in your 18-month-old.

Physical:

  • Walks alone
  • May walk up steps and run
  • Pulls toys while walking
  • Can help undress herself
  • Drinks from a cup
  • Eats with a spoon

Mental:

  • Knows what ordinary things are for; for example, telephone, brush, spoon
  • Points to get the attention of others
  • Shows interest in a doll or stuffed animal by pretending to feed
  • Points to one body part
  • Scribbles on his own
  • Can follow 1-step verbal commands without any gestures; for example, sits when you say “sit down”

Social:

  • Likes to hand things to others as play
  • May have temper tantrums
  • May be afraid of strangers
  • Shows affection to familiar people
  • Plays simple pretend, such as feeding a doll
  • May cling to caregivers in new situations
  • Points to show others something interesting
  • Explores alone but with a parent close by
  • Says several single words
  • Says and shakes head “no”
  • Points to show someone what he wants

Additional Tips for Caretakers:

You can help your child learn and grow. Talk, read, sing, and play together every day. Below are some activities to enjoy with your 18-month-old child today.
  • Provide a safe, loving environment. It’s important to be consistent and predictable.
  • Praise good behaviors more than punishing bad ones (use only brief time-outs).
  • Describe her emotions. For example, say, “You are happy when we read this book.”
  • Encourage pretend play.
  • Encourage empathy. For example, when he sees a sad child, encourage him to hug or pat the other child.
  • Read books and talk about the pictures using simple words.
  • Copy your child’s words.
  • Use words that describe feelings and emotions.
  • Use simple, clear phrases and ask simple questions.
  • Hide things under blankets and pillows and encourage him to find them.
  • Play with blocks, balls, puzzles, books, and toys that teach cause and effect and problem-solving.
  • Name pictures in books and body parts.
  • Provide toys that encourage pretend play; for example, dolls and play telephones.
  • Provide safe areas for your child to walk and move around in.
  • Provide toys that she can push or pull safely.
  • Provide balls for her to kick, roll, and throw.
  • Encourage him to drink from his cup and use a spoon, no matter how messy.
  • Blow bubbles and let your child pop them.
This information was obtained from the CDC’s Developmental Milestones Checklist. To find the original version, please visit www.cdc.gov.
Back to Patient Education
Allied Physicians Group logo Allied Physicians Group
Open Facebook page in new window Open Twitter page in new window Open LinkedIn page in new window Open Instagram page in new window Open Instagram page in new window

Need more information, have a praise or a concern about one of our locations, or having trouble finding something? Click here to contact us!

Bill Pay Open Quick Link Pediatrician Near Me Open Quick Link Physician Near Me Open Quick Link Allergist Near Me Open Quick Link Careers Open Quick Link

175 Broadhollow Road
Suite 150
Melville, NY 11747

866-621-2769

Long Island Pediatrician Open Quick Link Hudson Valley Pediatrician Open Quick Link Nassau Pediatrician Open Quick Link Orange County Pediatrician Open Quick Link Staten Island Pediatrician Open Quick Link Suffolk Pediatrician Open Quick Link White Plains Pediatrician Open Quick Link Nassau Allergist Open Quick Link Suffolk Allergist Open Quick Link
Copyright © 2023 M&R Starter | Website Development by M&R Marketing