Twelve to Eighteen Months

Developmental Milestones


How your one-year old and eighteen month old plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about your child’s development. Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age.

What’s unique to your one year old?  What is typical of an eighteen month old?

Developmental Milestones One year – 18 months

Social and Emotional Milestones 


  • Likes to hand things to others as play
  • May have temper tantrums 
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  • May be afraid of strangers 
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  • Shows affection to familiar people
  • Plays simple pretend, such as feeding a doll 
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  • May cling to caregivers in new situations
  • Points to show others something interesting
  • Explores alone but with parent close by

Communication Milestones 

Language/Communication


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

Gross motor/Fine motor


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

Cognitive Milestones

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 
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  • Scribbles on his own
  • Can follow 1-step verbal commands without any gestures; for example, sits when you say “sit down” 
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  • 12-15 months is a really fun time for parents.  1-year-olds are able to explore the world in new ways and are eager to do things “all by myself!”

Birth – 3 months          3 – 6 months           6-9 months           9-12 months          18 months           2 years          3 years  

 

CHILD DEVELOPMENT           

FAMILY FUN               

PARENTING CORNER             

COMMUNITY