Important Milestones at Eighteen Months

At 18 months, there are some things that most children can do: pointing at something of interest, following one-step directions, and even scribbling, just to name a few. It’s important to keep track of these milestones as your baby grows. As always, address any questions or concerns you may have with your child’s doctor. Here’s what most 15-month-olds can do at this age:

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL MILESTONES

  • Will move away from you at times, but will still look to make sure you’re close by

  • Points at something of interest

  • Extends hands when it’s time to wash them

  • Is starting to look at pages of a book with you

  • Helps you dress them by pushing their arms and legs through clothes

LANGUAGE/COMMUNICATION MILESTONES

  • Is trying to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”

  • Follows one-step directions, even without giving them any gestures, such as handing over a toy when you tell them to

COGNITIVE MILESTONES (LEARNING, THINKING, PROBLEM-SOLVING)

  • Copies chores that you do, like sweeping with a broom

  • Plays simply with toys, like pushing a toy car

MOVEMENT/PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES

  • Walks without holding on to you or anything around them

  • Scribbles

  • Drinks from a cup without a lid, even if there’s some spilling involved

  • Feeds themselves by using their fingers

  • Uses a spoon

  • Climbs up and off the couch without assistance

Remember, you know your child best. Talk with your child’s doctor about any of your concerns and ask about developmental screening.

Looking for tips and activities to do with your child to assist in their learning and development? Visit the CDC’s milestones pages here.

United Way of Central New YorkBabies