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18-Month Toddler Developmental Milestones

No two children develop, grow and learn in the same way or at the same pace. However, children do develop in certain predictable ways. Listed below are common developmental milestones for 18-month-olds.

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Watch this video to see milestones and stages of development for 18-month-olds and get ideas on how you can support a child’s healthy development.

moving icon Moving - Physical or Motor Development

  • Walks alone, and begins to run and walk up steps.
  • Walks backward pulling toy.
  • Feeds self with spoon and drinks with cup.
  • Helps dress and undress self.

talking icon Talking - Communication and Language Development

  • Speaks three or more single words.
  • Starts to imitate two-word phrases, such as “all done.”
  • Points to show what he/she wants.
  • Says “no” and shakes head.

interacting icon Interacting - Social and Emotional Development

  • Shows interest in other children.
  • Plays simple pretend, such as feeding a baby.
  • Imitates your behavior.
  • Tries new things with familiar adults nearby.
  • Hands things to others as part of play.
  • Shows feelings, for example, temper tantrums, fear of strangers, affection with familiar people, clinging to familiar adult in new situations.
  • Points to show things to others.

thinking icon Thinking - Cognitive Development

  • Scribbles with crayon or pencil.
  • Points to at least one body part.
  • Follows one-step directions without any gestures (sits when you say “sit”).
  • Knows what common objects are for, such as a phone, brush or spoon.
  • Points to get the attention of others.
  • Shows interest in a stuffed animal or doll; plays pretend.
  • Enjoys books, stories and songs.
  • Turns pages of a book.

Resources

Help Me Grow has a variety of resources that can help you support the healthy development of an 18-month-old. Learn more about Infant and Toddler Intervention and Preschool Special Education services and discover other resources available to you.

Encouraging Healthy Development for an 18-Month-Old

Ideas that can help you support the development of an 18-month-old.

Help Me Grow Articles

Articles that help you support the healthy development of a child.

Resources Directory

A directory of services provided for families of children with disabilities.

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If you have concerns about a child's development and think a child might need extra help to learn and grow, do not hesitate to refer a child.

The family will be contacted by the local school district to arrange for a screening or evaluation to determine if their child is eligible for Infant and Toddler Intervention or Preschool Special Education services in Minnesota.

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