18 Month Development

What to expect at 18 months old

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Physical Development

  • Walks alone steadily
  • Pulls toys while walking
  • Carries large toys or several toys at once
  • Begins to run
  • Stands on tiptoe
  • Kicks a ball
  • Climbs onto and down from furniture without help
  • Walks up and down stairs holding on
  • Scribbles spontaneously
  • Drinks from cup and uses spoon (messily!)
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Cognitive Development

  • Points to show others something interesting
  • Points to get help or reach something
  • Knows what ordinary things are for (phone, spoon, brush)
  • Points to one body part
  • Scribbles on own
  • Follows simple one-step commands without gestures
  • Explores alone but with parent close by
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Social-Emotional

  • Likes to hand things to others as play
  • May have temper tantrums
  • May be clingy with familiar adults in new situations
  • Shows affection to familiar people
  • Plays simple pretend (feeds doll)
  • May cling in new situations
  • Shows defiance (does opposite of what asked)
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Communication

  • Says several single words (6-20 words)
  • Says and shakes head "no"
  • Points to show someone what they want
  • Understands many more words than can say
  • Points to body parts when asked

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