Child Development Milestones for 16-18 Months

 

What are the cognitive milestones for a 16-18 month old?

At this age, toddler is very curious and loves to explore new things, experiment, and play. This is how they develop imagination, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Your toddler will play with toys in a meaningful way (for example, feeding a doll or pushing a toy car) and engage in pretend play (like pretending to eat with a toy spoon). You may notice that your child copies you doing household activities, like folding clothes or setting the table.

 

What are the physical milestones for a 16-18 month old?

At this age, toddler starts to walk without holding on and may try to run or walk up and down stairs with support from you or sturdy objects. Children will also climb on and off a chair without help. Around 16-18 months, your child will feel much more confident with scribbling, drinking from a cup, using a spoon, and turning pages in a book.

 

What are the speech and language milestones for a 16-18 month old?

Around 16-18 months, child might say a few words and you will hear more and more real words, like the names of objects and labeling actions, as they babble. Your child begins to follow simple commands without gestures, like ‘open the door’ or ‘give the cup to papa.’ They will also begin to understand their own name.

What are the social and emotional milestones for a 16-18 month old?

At this age, toddler has developed strong emotional attachments to the people they love. You may notice your child moving away from you to play but look to make sure you are close by. They may also exhibit separation anxiety, which is typical at this age of development. Your child will participate in more daily routines with ease, like putting out their hands for you to wash them, looking at a few pages in a book with you, and helping you dress them.

Tips for parents

Encourage your child to participate in everyday routines like getting dressed.