Child 1–2 years
18 Month Old
Around eighteen months words, walking and imitation often come together, and moving away while keeping you in view becomes a familiar pattern.
Movement and daily skills
- Walking without holding on, and scribbling, are things many children do around eighteen months.
- Drinking from an open cup, and trying to use a spoon, often appear around now — usually messily first.
Language and thinking
- Several familiar words may be used, and a one-step direction may be followed without a gesture — "give it to me" said on its own.
- Understanding usually runs ahead of speaking for a good while yet.
Social and emotional development
- Pointing to show you something interesting, and copying simple household actions, are common around this age.
- Moving a little away from you while checking that you are still there is a familiar pattern around eighteen months.
Try together
Look at a picture book together and follow whatever they point at, naming it once rather than asking them to repeat it.
What can we do today?
43 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
- Your Turn
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, or if your child has lost a skill they once had — and you can ask about developmental screening.