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Toddler Years

12-18 Months

Developmental Milestones

Developmental Milestones
First steps, first words, first attempts at independence
by Tamika Nunley

Get ready for the second year! Here are the physical, mental, social and developmental milestones to look for in your 12-18 month old

The second year can a delightful time for parents and children. As a parent, you’ve got some confidence in your skills having survived the first 12 months, and your child has a developing personality that brings laughter, funny faces and affectionate hugs. This time of a child’s life is marked by unbridled curiosity about the people and things in his world. A child can also start to place things, people and actions in categories. For example, when you say you’re going to the park, your toddler is beginning to create a mental picture of her favorite slide and you waiting at the bottom of it.

Talk frequently to your child to increase his or her language skills and encourage cooperation. You can also make dressing time more fun by pointing to and identifying body parts and clothes. For instance, “see this very pretty red shirt. Well, the shirt goes over your head. Your arms go into the sleeves. Now, what shall we put on your legs?” Conversations like these help your child begin to understand how things happen.

Here are some other key developmental milestones for 12-18 months. Remember, each child develops differently, but if your child is not performing a great number of the activities mentioned below, talk to your pediatrician.

Physical Development
– Crawls well
– Stands alone, sits down
– Points or gestures to indicate wants
– Likes to push, pull and dump things
– Turn pages in a book
– Enjoys flushing toilets and closing doors
– Enjoys carrying small objects while walking, often one in each
hand
– Hold crayons and scribbles, but with little control
– Waves bye-bye and claps hands
– Rolls a ball to adult on request
– Can hold a spoon when eating, but has difficulty getting
the spoon into the mouth

Mental Development

– Says 8-20 words you can understand
– Says “Hi” or “Bye” if reminded
– Uses expressions like “Uh-oh”
– Asks for something by pointing and
using one word
– Plays peek-a-boo
– Looks for objects that are hidden or
out of sight
– Likes to take things apart
– Understands and follows simple
one-step directions

Social and emotional development
– Becomes upset when separated from
parent
– Plays alone on the floor with toys
– Recognizes self in mirror or pictures
– Imitates others especially by
coughing, sneezing or making animal
sounds
– Enjoys an audience and applause
– Enjoys being held and read to

Source: Family Life 8, Iowa State University, University Extension.

Editor’s Note: The developmental information provided in this article and on this site has been compiled from various professional resources as a tool to help you understand your child’s overall growth. It is not a standardized measurement tool. Always speak to your doctor about your child’s development.

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