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All children develop a little differently. If you are concerned about your child's development, talk to your child's health care provider.
PHYSICAL AND MOTOR SKILL MARKERS
The typical 18 month old:
- Has a closed soft spot on the front of the head (anterior fontanel)
- Is growing at a slower rate and has less of an appetite compared to months before
- Is able to control the muscles used to urinate and have bowel movements (sphincter muscles), but may not be ready to use the toilet
- Runs stiffly and falls often
- Is able to get onto small chairs without help
- Walks up stairs while holding on with one hand
- Can build a tower of two to four blocks
- Can use a spoon and cup with help to feed himself
- Imitates scribbling
- Can turn two or three pages of a book at a time
SENSORY AND COGNITIVE MARKERS
The typical 18 month old:
- Shows affection
- Has separation anxiety
- Listens to a story or looks at pictures
- Can say 10 or more words when asked
- Kisses parents with lips puckered
- Identifies one or more parts of the body
- Understands and is able to point to and identify common objects
- Often imitates
- Is able to take off some clothing items, such as gloves, hats, and socks
- Begins to feel a sense of ownership, identifying people and objects by saying "my"
PLAY RECOMMENDATIONS
- Encourage and provide the necessary space for physical activity
- Provide safe copies of adult tools and equipment for the child to play with
- Allow the child to help around the house and participate in the family's daily responsibilities
- Encourage play that involves building and creativity
- Read to the child
- Encourage play dates with children of the same age
- Avoid television time before age 2
- Play simple games together, such as puzzles and shape sorting
- A transitional object may help separation anxiety
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