What milestones are typical at 18 months?

Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car Tries to say three or more words besides "mama" or "dada" Follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say, "Give it to me." Walks without holding on to anyone or anything Scribbles These are a guide, not a test — babies reach them at different times.

What should my baby be eating at 18 months?

modify texture <4 years Full family diet (appropriately textured). Cow's milk can become a drink after 12 months. Continue breastfeeding to 2 years and beyond. INTRODUCE from ~6 months

Your baby at 18 months: milestones, feeding & growth

Q: What should my baby be eating at 18 months?

modify texture <4 years Full family diet (appropriately textured). Cow's milk can become a drink after 12 months. Continue breastfeeding to 2 years and beyond. INTRODUCE from ~6 months

Typical milestones (a guide, not a test)

Cognitive (learning/thinking)

Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broomCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy carCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Language & Communication

Tries to say three or more words besides "mama" or "dada"CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say, "Give it to me."CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Movement & Physical

Walks without holding on to anyone or anythingCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
ScribblesCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimesCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Feeds herself with her fingersCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Tries to use a spoonCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Climbs on and off a couch or chair without helpCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Social & Emotional

Moves away from you, but looks to make sure you are close byCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Points to show you something interestingCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Puts hands out for you to wash themCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Looks at a few pages in a book with youCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
Helps you dress him by pushing arm through sleeve or lifting up footCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Feeding

Avoid whole nuts, whole grapes, popcorn, hard raw vegetables, chunks of meat/cheese (choking). — modify texture <4 years
Family foods + continued breastfeeding — Full family diet (appropriately textured). Cow's milk can become a drink after 12 months. Continue breastfeeding to 2 years and beyond.
Introduce common allergens (peanut, egg) from ~6 months in age-appropriate form — early introduction reduces allergy risk (LEAP/EAT). — INTRODUCE from ~6 months

Play & bonding

Keeping baby safe

Babyproof: cover outlets, secure cabinets/heavy furniture (anchor to wall), use stair gates., Poison: store medicines, cleaners, and detergents locked and out of reach; keep Poison Control number handy., Choking: avoid whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, hard candy; cut foods small., Water: fence pools; supervise near any water at all times., Car seat: rear-facing until at least age 2 (or seat max).

Sleep

Ranges are per 24 hours and, for children through preschool, include naps. Individual needs vary. — 11-14

Part of Toddler: 1 to 3 years.

educational reference only; milestones are general guides — discuss any concerns with a pediatrician. Not a diagnostic tool.