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18 month milestones
Here are the CDC milestones most toddlers reach around 18 months.
Social and emotional
- Moves away from you but looks to make sure you are close by.
- Points 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 them by pushing an arm through a sleeve.
Language and communication
- Tries to say three or more words besides mama and dada.
- Follows one-step directions without a gesture, like "give it to me".
Cognitive
- Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom.
- Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car.
Movement and physical
- Walks without holding on to anyone.
- Scribbles.
- Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill.
- Feeds themselves with fingers.
- Tries to use a spoon.
- Climbs on and off a couch or chair without help.
Common questions
What should a 18 month old baby be doing?
Around 18 months, most babies: moves away from you but looks to make sure you are close by; tries to say three or more words besides mama and dada; copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom; walks without holding on to anyone. Every baby grows at their own pace, within a range of time.
What if my baby was born early?
Most pediatricians count milestones from the due date, not the birth date, until about 2 years. That is called corrected age, and it is how Bobbychips counts milestones too.
What if my baby is not doing these things yet?
Most children reach each milestone within a range of time, so one missing item is not a verdict. If you have questions, or your baby has lost a skill they once had, talk to your pediatrician. The CDC's advice is to act early rather than wait.
The day at this age, in numbers: 12 month old schedule.
Every baby grows at their own pace, and these are general guides, not medical advice. If you ever have questions about how your baby is growing or developing, your pediatrician is the best person to ask.
Sources: the CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. milestone checklists and the World Health Organization's infant and young child feeding guidance.
A guide like this, on the day
Bobbychips emails a guide like this one when your baby reaches each of these ages, counted from the due date for a baby born early, and keeps a checklist of the milestones in the app.