Toddler Milestones: What Can You Expect at 18 Months?

Here are some developmental toddler milestones your 18-month-old can achieve this month:

Verbal Development 

• Your toddler can say about 18 – 20 words this month
• They may even start using 2 or 3 words together in a sentence

Personality Development

• They now can understand the idea of mine and yours. Some can even comprehend “his” and “hers”
• Most can identify and some can even tell their own names

Non-Verbal Communication

• They will shake or nod their head for a yes or a no when you ask questions
• They will even start waving a ‘hi’ or a ‘bye’ even if they are not ready to converse with the person

Identification

• Your toddler can now identify daily objects
• When you ask them for a particular item, they can point you to it or bring it to you

Attention Seeking

• Your toddler will want all eyes on them. They will now expect you to clap for anything and everything they do
• Some toddlers can even call you and redo the work, just for you to compliment them
• You might even catch your toddler singing or dancing in front of the mirror, admiring themselves

Independence

• Some toddlers can eat by themselves with little or no help
• Some can even remove or put on a few pieces of clothing

Mobility

• Your toddler is more mobile and can walk without any help or assistance
• Some toddlers can climb stairs comfortably (if they have regular exposure)
• Once they are comfortable walking without help, they will start dragging their toys or blankets along

Growth Chart For an 18-Month-Old Toddler

An average 18-month-old height and weight will be as follows-

Girls

Weight – 8.2 – 13.0 Kg
Height- 75.2 – 86.2 cm

Boys

Weight – 8.9 – 13.5 Kg
Height- 77.2 – 87.3 cm

(This chart is just an indication and these parameters may vary from one toddler to another)

Tips to Boost Your 18-Month-Old’s Development

Here are some ways parents can boost their 18-month-old’s development to attain their toddler milestones-

1. Activities For Fine Motor Skills

Engage them in activities that can improve their finger strength and movement. You can just strew a few items or even paper balls on the floor. Ask your toddler to pick them off the floor and put them into a basket.

2. Play Time

Your toddler will flourish if they get some personal attention. Instead of expecting them to play on their own or watch the screen, get down and play with them. At least for a while, every day. The interaction and attention can help them learn many new things quickly.

3. Potty Training

Potty training is an important toddler milestone and it is an ideal time to start now. Your toddler can communicate now, so encourage them to let you know when they want to go. Getting them an attractive potty chair can encourage them to use the potty chair more.

4. Learning About Objects

It is time to get familiar with objects around the house. You can show objects and ask them what it is and what it is for. This can help your toddler learn the right names and uses of common household items.

5. Language Development

When your toddler points to something (to go to, to play with or just to divert your attention to it), name it. Be it a place or a thing, explain what your toddler is trying to tell you, in sentences. They will slowly learn the right words to use.

Health And Care of Your Toddler

Taking care of your little one’s health can help them achieve their toddler milestones in time. Here are some areas to focus on this month-

• Your growing toddler needs a lot of protein to support their growth. Ensure they get enough protein-rich food every day (1)
• Check with your pediatrician for your toddler’s DTwP/DTap, Hib, and IPV vaccines
• Your toddler will now toss and turn a lot more in their sleep. A light blanket and fewer soft toys around them can prevent crowding their bed
• Reduce their sweets intake to avoid cavities at a young age. It is still difficult to clean their teeth thoroughly
• If you are traveling by air with your toddler, take a sipper or a pacifier for them to suck on. Sucking helps relieve ear pressure and blocks

Some Useful Tips For Your Toddler

Here are some tips for parents to effectively support their growing toddlers-

• Be patient during mealtimes and let your toddler explore the food and eat it on their own. Rushing or force-feeding them might get the work done but can interfere with their eating habits
• If your toddler is not showing any signs of waking, chewing, or speaking, check with your doctor
• Carry toys and books to occupy your toddler when traveling

Your toddler is a year and a half and can understand a lot more than a few months ago. It is time to start actively teaching them the names of objects, about nature, and their surroundings, to help them achieve their toddler milestones. Remember your toddler is constantly watching and observing you. Be cautious and set a good example for their language and behavioral development.

FAQ’s

1. How do You Deal With an 18-Month-Old’s Tantrum?

Be calm and firm, let them go through their emotions and feelings as long as it does not hurt anyone. Talk to them in a calm voice. If you sound agitated, or loud, it may scare some toddlers into silence but can make some toddlers cry harder. If you show big reactions, it might reinforce their behavior and encourage them to repeat such tantrums in the future. Do not react much and just be there for them.

2. What Time Should Your 18-Month-Old go to Bed?

Follow a bedtime routine that suits your family. Your toddler should get about 12 to 14 hours of sleep throughout the day. If they get a long nap during the day, about 10 to 12 hours at night will suffice. Reverse calculate from the time they have to wake up, and fix an ideal bedtime.

3. How Much Milk Should Your 18-Month-Old Have?

Your toddler can have about 2 or 3 cups of milk a day. Ensure they don’t have their milk very close to their meal time, as it can affect their meal quantity. If your toddler is lactose intolerant, ask your pediatrician to recommend other sources of calcium and minerals.

4. How Can I Cultivate Good Habits in my Toddler?

The most effective way to cultivate good habits in a toddler is by modeling them. Toddlers at this age will do what you do, rather than follow your instructions or advice. Bring the target habit into the regular routine and lead them by example. Your toddler will be doing it very soon.

5. What Are The Behavior Problems of an 18-Month-Old?

As your toddler starts experiencing and understanding emotions, they can struggle to express or handle them. In such situations, your toddler might defy you, have a meltdown, refuse to listen, or do something that you always say no to. Some toddlers can also get physical with their parents or peers (hitting, scratching, biting) when they feel the situation is out of their control.

6. Can You Punish an 18-Month-Old?

Punishment may seem effective but can leave a lasting impact on the immature minds of toddlers. Remember, your toddler is still very young and their brains are still developing. They may not even understand the whole concept of punishment. At this age they need patience and repetition before their brains can start remembering what to do and what not to do.

7. Why is my 18-Month-Old so Angry?

Your 18-month-old’s emotional part of the brain is developing and they are experiencing many emotions. The inability to do what they want due to their physical limitations or the boundaries you set can make them feel helpless and out of control. As a result, they can experience anger and frustration, which they may not always know how to handle.

8. Is There a Growth Spurt at 18 Months?

Toddlers may not have growth spurts like they did before their first birthday. Some toddlers may grow faster than others due to various factors, like food, nutrition, and genetics. The next big growth spurt may most likely be when they reach puberty.

References

1. Optimal Quantity and Composition of Protein for Growing Children – [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07315724.2005.10719457]