Child 1–2 years
16 Month Old
Whatever the movement pattern, it is becoming steadier and more controlled, and gestures and sounds increasingly arrive together.
Movement and daily skills
- For children who have started walking, stopping and changing direction usually improves before speed does. Children who are not yet walking are moving in their own way, and that is ordinary.
- Hands are freer during movement now, which changes what can be carried from room to room.
Language and thinking
- Familiar words may be attempted more often, and gestures may be used alongside them rather than instead of them.
- Repeating what you heard, rather than correcting it, tends to keep the exchange going.
Social and emotional development
- Copying household actions in play — sweeping, phoning, feeding a toy — often becomes a favourite.
- Wanting to be part of what you are doing can be more appealing than any toy.
Try together
Give them a safe version of whatever you are doing — a cloth while you wipe, a spoon while you stir — and work alongside each other.
What can we do today?
38 activity ideas suit this age — most take about five minutes and need nothing you do not already have.
- The Same Song Each Time
- Water Falling
- Name What You See
What can we prepare?
ParentSide has 60 recipes for 12–18 months, each with its texture, portion and preparation notes.
Professional support
Services ParentSide defines for this stage. Each page explains what the service covers and which professionals are approved to provide it.
Sources and updates
This provides general developmental information and is not a developmental assessment. Speak with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your child's development.