Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Instagram
We're Hiring!
Book A Call

Your Baby At 18 Months!

Your Baby At 18 Months!

Milestones matter! How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about his or her development. Check the milestones your child has reached by 18 months. Take this with you and talk with your child’s doctor at every well-child visit about the milestones your child has reached and what to expect next.

What Most Babies Do by this Age:

Social/Emotional

  • Shows affection toward familiar people and may develop attachment to specific objects or toys.
  • May feel fear or anxiety around unfamiliar people or situations.
  • Expresses frustration when they cannot communicate their needs or desires.
  • Shows interest in doing things independently but may still seek comfort from familiar caregivers in new situations.

Language/ Communication

  • May say a few words (such as "mama," "dada," or names of familiar people or objects)
  • Can understand simple phrases or instructions, and may begin to follow basic directions.
  • Uses gestures like pointing to show interest or waving to say hello or goodbye.
  • Tries to communicate their wants and needs, sometimes using a combination of words, gestures, and body language.

Cognitive

  • Begins to understand cause and effect.
  • Engages in simple pretend play
  • Begins to show early signs of problem-solving skills
  • May have a stronger understanding that objects continue to exist even when they're out of sight

Movement/Physical Development

  • Most 18-month-olds are walking independently
  • Develops the pincer grasp, using thumb and forefinger to pick up small objects
  • May start to experiment with scribbling using a crayon or marker.
  • Tries to feed themselves

My 18-Month-Old Baby's Milestones

  • Shows affection (hugs, kisses) and anxiety around strangers
  • Expresses frustration when unable to communicate needs
  • Says a few words, imitates sounds, and understands simple commands
  • Uses gestures like pointing and waving
  • Understands cause and effect, engages in pretend play, and shows early problem-solving skills
  • Walks independently or with support, develops a pincer grasp, and may start scribbling
  • Tries to feed themselves using hands or utensils with help
  • It's important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace, so if any milestones aren't quite there yet, it's okay -each baby is unique!
​​​© 2025 Bright Start Early Care & Preschool · All Rights Reserved · Privacy Policy · Powered By GYC Logo Grow Your Center