- Home
- Humana Medicaid
- Kentucky Medicaid
- Medicaid extras
- Health and wellness
- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
Your Child's Development: 1.5 Years (18 Months)
Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a toddler is developing as expected. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, so some children may gain skills earlier or later than others.
Toddlers who were born prematurely may reach milestones later. Always talk with your doctor about your child's progress.
Here are things toddlers usually do by this age:
Communication and Language Skills
- try to say 3 or more words (besides “mama” and “dada”)
- follow one-step directions said with words and not gestures ("Pick up the toy.")
Movement and Physical Development
- walk without holding on to anyone or anything
- climb on and off a chair or couch without help
- drink from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimes
- use their fingers and maybe a spoon to eat
- scribble
Social and Emotional Development
- point to show you something interesting
- move away from you, but look to make sure you are close by
- puts hands out to get them washed
- help with getting dressed by pushing their arm through a sleeve or lifting up a foot
- look at a few pages in a book with caregivers
Cognitive Skills (Thinking and Learning)
- copy you doing chores, like sweeping
- play with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car
When Should I Call the Doctor?
You know your toddler best. Share your concerns — even little ones — with your child's doctor.
If your toddler is not meeting one or more milestones or you notice that your child had skills but has lost them, tell the doctor.
To learn more about early signs of developmental problems, go to the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early program.
- Well-Child Visit: 1.5 Years (18 Months)
- Movement, Coordination, and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
- Medical Care and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
- Growth and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
- Learning, Play, and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
- Communication and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
- Feeding Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
- Sleep and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
- Managing Your Toddler's Behavior (Video)
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.