Developmental Guidelines : What Most Babies Do at 18 Months

Social and Emotional

• Likes to hand things to others as play
• May have temper tantrums
• May be afraid of strangers
• Shows affection to familiar people
• May cling to caregivers in new situations
• Points to show others something interesting
• Explores alone but with parents close by

Language / Communication

• Says several single words
• Says and shakes head “no”
• Points to show someone what he wants

Cognitive (Learning, Thinking, Problem-Solving)

• Knows what ordinary things are for; for example telephone, brush, spoon
• Points to get the attention of others
• Shows interest in a doll or stuffed animal by pretending to feed
• Points to one body part
• Scribbles on his own
• Can follow 1-step verbal commands without any gestures; for example, sites when you say “sit down”

Movement/Physical Development

• Walk alone
• May walk up steps and run
• Pulls toys while walking
• Can help undress herself
• Drinks from a cup
• Eats with a spoon

Red Flags For 18 Month Old Babies

• Doesn’t point to show things to others
• Doesn’t gain new words
• Can’t walk
• Doesn’t have at least 6 words
• Doesn’t know what familiar things are for
• Doesn’t copy others
• Doesn’t notice or mind when a caregiver leaves or returns

Have a question? Want to learn more?

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About Achieve Beyond

Achieve Beyond is an agency founded by Dr. Trudy Font-Padron in 1995 and remains a family-run company. Achieve Beyond is a leader in providing pediatric therapy, autism, and early intervention services in New York City, Long Island, Hudson Valley, Texas, New Jersey, Virginia and Metro DC. They are dedicated to providing quality evaluations and therapeutic/educational services to children ages birth to 21 years of age.