Child Development: 18 months
Your Developing Baby: 18 Months
- Walks alone or with hands held
- Squats to pick up a toy from the floor and stands again
- Enjoys picture books and begins to point to pictures
- Scribbles with a crayon/pencil
- Builds a tower of three blocks
- Understands simple questions and directions (“Where is your nose?” and “Go get your coat”)
- Uses single words but may not pronounce them correctly
- Uses babbling that sounds like sentences
- Asks for “more” or “again” using gestures and/or the words
- Imitates everyday activities, e.g. talking on toy telephone
- Begins to point to some body parts on self or doll when asked
- Enjoys nursery rhymes
- Feeds himself/herself with a spoon (will still be messy)
- Takes off shoes, socks, hats
- Shows discomfort when he/she has a wet or dirty diaper
There are many ways you can help your child’s development.
Play is a learning experience for children. Play is a universal and vital process for the healthy development of every child. Play is the child’s work and allows him/her to explore the world in which he lives and grows.
If you have any concerns about your child’s development, talk to your public health nurse or family doctor.