Developmental Milestones by Age 18 Months

Overview

At 18 months, children reach various milestones in their development across different areas:

Social/Emotional Milestones:

• Moves away from you, but looks to make sure you are close by
• Pointes to show you something interesting
• Puts hands out for you to wash them
• Looks at a few pages in a book with you
• Helps you dress him or her by pushing arm through sleeve or lifting a foot

Language/Communication Milestones:

• Tries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”
• Follows one-step directions without gestures, like giving you the toy when you say, “Give it to me.”

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving):

• Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom
• Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy.

Movement/Physical Development Milestones:

• Walks without holding on to anyone or anything
• Scribbles
• Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimes
• Feeds himself with his fingers
• Tries to use a spoon
• Climbs on and off a couch or chair without help