Skills and growth milestones of 18-month-old children describes the physical and mental development that is expected for this age.

All children develop a little differently. If you are concerned about your child's development, talk to your child's health care provider.

PHYSICAL AND MOTOR SKILL MARKERS

The typical 18 month old:

• Has a closed soft spot on the front of the head (anterior fontanel)
• Is growing at a slower rate and has less of an appetite compared to previous months
• Is physically able to control the muscles the control urination and bowel movements (sphincter muscles), but may not be psychologically ready to use the toilet
• Runs with a lack of coordination and falls frequently
• Is able to get onto small chairs without help
• Walks up stairs while holding on with one hand
• Can build a tower of two to four blocks
• Can use a spoon and cup with help to feed himself
• Imitates scribbling
• Can turn two or three pages of a book at a time

SENSORY AND COGNITIVE MARKERS

The typical 18 month old:

• Shows affection
• Listens to a story or looks at pictures
• Can say 10 or more words when asked
• Identifies one or more parts of the body
• Understands and is able to point to and identify common objects
• Frequently imitates
• Is able to take off some clothing items, such as gloves, hats, and socks
• Begins to feel a sense of ownership, identifying people and objects by saying "my"

PLAY RECOMMENDATIONS

• Encourage and provide the necessary space for physical activity
• Provide safe copies of adult tools and equipment for the child to play with
• Allow the child to help around the house and participate in the daily responsibilities of the family
• Encourage play that involves building and creativity
• Read to the child
• Control the type and amount of television watched
• Control the type and amount of games played

Feigelman S. The second year. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 9.