Health Encyclopedia

Developmental milestones record - 18 months

Definition

Skills and growth milestones of 18-month-old children describes the physical and mental development that is expected for this age.

Alternative Names

Growth milestones for children - 18 months; Normal childhood growth milestones - 18 months; Childhood growth milestones - 18 months

Information

All children develop a little differently. If you are concerned about your child's development, talk to your child's health care provider.

PHYSICAL AND MOTOR SKILL MARKERS

The typical 18 month old:

Has a closed soft spot on the front of the head (anterior fontanel)
Is growing at a slower rate and has less of an appetite compared to previous months
Is physically able to control the muscles the control urination and bowel movements (sphincter muscles), but may not be psychologically ready to use the toilet
Runs with a lack of coordination and falls frequently
Is able to get onto small chairs without help
Walks up stairs while holding on with one hand
Can build a tower of two to four blocks
Can use a spoon and cup with help to feed himself
Imitates scribbling
Can turn two or three pages of a book at a time

SENSORY AND COGNITIVE MARKERS

The typical 18 month old:

Shows affection
Listens to a story or looks at pictures
Can say 10 or more words when asked
Identifies one or more parts of the body
Understands and is able to point to and identify common objects
Frequently imitates
Is able to take off some clothing items, such as gloves, hats, and socks
Begins to feel a sense of ownership, identifying people and objects by saying "my"

PLAY RECOMMENDATIONS

Encourage and provide the necessary space for physical activity
Provide safe copies of adult tools and equipment for the child to play with
Allow the child to help around the house and participate in the daily responsibilities of the family
Encourage play that involves building and creativity
Read to the child
Control the type and amount of television watched
Control the type and amount of games played

References

Feigelman S. The second year. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 9.

Review Date:11/3/2008
Reviewed By:Jennifer K. Mannheim, CPNP, private practice, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.