Activities You Can Do With Your 18-Month-Old Baby

DevelopmentCareDevelopment & LearningDevelopment and Learning
Written By Nicole Morales

At 18 months, your toddler is eager to explore and learn new skills. Engaging in activities that support their development can be both fun and educational. Here are some activities you can do to nurture their growth and create positive learning experiences.

Teaching Good Behavior and Habits

  • Positive Reinforcement: Use encouraging and calm words when teaching your child good behavior. For example, praise them when they tidy up their toys or show empathy towards others.

  • Playful Learning: Incorporate games that teach useful skills. For instance, turn cleaning up into a game by having them place toys in a basket or pretend to feed their soft toy with a cup of water.

Social and Emotional Development

  • Empathy Building: Encourage your child to express empathy by showing them how to comfort someone who is sad. Guide them to offer hugs or comforting words.

  • Interactive Questions: Ask your child about familiar objects and routines. For example, inquire about their favorite toys or foods to reinforce their understanding and language skills.

Encouraging Independence

  • Choice Offering: Let your child make simple choices from a few options, such as picking out their clothes or choosing between two snacks. This helps them feel involved and makes decisions less overwhelming.

  • Routine Establishment: Form consistent routines for bedtime and meals. Set specific times for going to bed, brushing teeth, and reading a book. Establish meal and snack times to create a predictable daily structure.

Communication and Interaction

  • Eye-Level Engagement: When speaking to your child, get down to their eye level. This helps them see your expressions and better understand your words.

  • Body Parts Game: Teach your child about different body parts and turn it into a fun game. Ask them to point to or name the body parts you mention, reinforcing their learning in an interactive way.

Quality Time and Play

  • Dedicated Playtime: Make time each day to play with your child, read together, and give them your undivided attention. This strengthens your bond and supports their emotional development.

Conclusion

Engaging in these activities will help your 18-month-old develop essential skills and habits while having fun. For more guidance, consult your pediatrician and refer to the CDC’s guidelines here.

Nicole Morales

Nicole’s path as a newborn care specialist, postpartum doula, and pediatric sleep consultant is driven by a deep passion for infant well-being and supporting families during the early stages of parenthood. With a background in child development and early childhood education, She is dedicated to helping parents navigate the postpartum period smoothly. Her journey into pediatric sleep consulting stems from witnessing the transformative impact of healthy sleep routines on both infants and parents. She strives to empower families with knowledge and strategies to create a nurturing sleep environment for their newborns. It's her mission to ensure newborns infants and toddlers receive the best care, and parents feel confident in their caregiving roles.

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Milestones: 18 months old