Child Stages: Baby 12-18 Months (Child Development Information) - Child Development

12 to 18 Months

Between the ages of 12 and 18 months come lots of developmental firsts. For some, it is first words or first steps, while for just about all toddlers, it includes first efforts at independence. This period is marked by curiosity about the nature of people and things. The developmental milestones typically reached at this age allow children to start placing things, people, and actions in categories. For example, when you say you're going to the store, your toddler is beginning to create a mental picture of the supermarket, and you in it.

MILESTONES
By 12 to 18 months, toddlers:
Walk. Some toddlers will already be walking by the time they turn a year, while others will take their time and wait several months to do so. Either way, just about all healthy toddlers are able to walk independently without difficulty by 18 months, may even be starting to run, and often find a new way to amuse themselves by walking backwards. While many can walk up stairs while holding onto their parents' hands, don't be fooled into thinking that they can do so safely without close supervision.

Improve their communication skills. By 12 to 15 months, the average child says two or more words besides "dada" and "mama." Some 18-month-olds will even begin to put two words together, although this is considered to be a two-year-old accomplishment. In addition to talking, most toddlers at this age can imitate animal sounds, recognize objects by name, and follow commands. You're likely to find that this newly developed ability to follow directions is particularly endearing when your toddler begins to give a hug or kiss when asked. While your toddler is probably making great strides in communicating at this age, it helps to be aware that being able to understand a lot more than one can say can also be a significant source of frustration for both toddlers and parents at this age.

Develop better fine motor skills and coordination. Most toddlers are quite content to scribble with crayon on paper (and anything else that happens to be in the vicinity), to stack blocks instead of just banging them together, and use utensils when eating. All these skills take practice, so be sure to give your toddler plenty of opportunity to do so, and don't expect perfection in the days or weeks to come.

Begin to explore independently. Being a 12- to 15-month-old typically involves beginning to venture out on one's own more. Toddlers at this age often feel comfortable exploring away from their parents when in familiar surroundings. That's not to say that some don't still show signs of stranger anxiety and a strong affinity for their parents, but rest assured that this phase of development will soon give way to more independent exploration in the months to come, if it hasn't already. As your toddler becomes more independent, don't be surprised if she also develops an attachment to a comfort object, something that gives her a constant sense of security.

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