Milestones: 18 months old

DevelopmentBehaviorDevelopment & LearningDevelopment and Learning
Written By Sara Morse

At 18 months your infant will be able to start doing quite a bit more activities and start getting more active. But they also want to start helping you around the house, so let them. Give them age-appropriate chores to do. Here are some signs or developmental milestones your child should be able to achieve

Emotional and Social Milestones

  • They will start walking and moving away from you but will always make sure they are able to see you

  • Will start showing you things that they are finding interesting.

  • Post a meal or if their hands are dirty, will start showing you their hands for you to help them wash their hands

  • Will sit and want to start reading with you. Well..you will be reading but they will be showing interest now

  • Will probably try to choose what they want to wear and also put their arms and legs out to help you dress them

Communication and Language Milestone

  • As much as “mama” and “dada” are still their favorite words. They will also be able to say a few more words, mostly it would be things they like. Eg: teddy, meow, woof , etc

  • Start following simple instructions like handing you things or going somewhere you ask them to go. eg: go to your room, give me the book, etc.

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • Will start copying you doing chores like mopping, picking up clothes, etc

  • Should be able to move and make sounds like “swoosh” and “brrrmmm” when they are pushing a toy car 

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • They will be able to start walking without taking any support. 

  • Cover up or put away anything that might be dear to you. Cause now is the time they are going to go on a scribbling spree.

  • Will start drinking from their sippy cup by themselves, they will still spill sometimes but that's part of the learning process

  • Will feed themselves using their fingers and also should be able to hold a spoon to try and feed themselves

  • Should be able to climb low objects like, sofa, stools, etc

For additional guidance, please contact your pediatrician and refer to CDC's guidelines here: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html

Sara Morse

Sara is a mother of three, with an extensive background in Childcare & Postpartum Support. Her career has evolved from working in daycare, to Nannying & later opening her own NYS Family Daycare. Sara later embarked on a new journey as a Postpartum Doula & Sleep Coach, as she resonates with the importance of postpartum wellness, solid sleep & supporting parents as they navigate parenthood. Being dual certified allows her to connect with families on their postpartum journey, while offering supportive services for mom, dad & baby!

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