Supporting Development in Eighteen-Month-Olds

18-Month-Old

Your little one is turning 18 months old! You shouldn’t be surprised if your toddler starts babbling whenever you start a discussion with an adult since kids this age are complete attention whores. At daycare drop-off, kids may cling to your leg, but they’re actually very into asserting their independence. Words like “mine!” and “now!” and a complete and utter rejection of restraints are typical ways your young, self-reliant child may communicate their feelings. (Come on, car seat fights!). Your young child may feel more comfortable fastening up in the car seat if you let them belt up a lovable plush animal first.

Now that you’re on your own, you and your 18-month-old infant may experience new things. Do not worry; we are available to assist you in navigating these thrilling (and, yes, at times, challenging) times. Continue reading to learn about the developmental milestones that parents should be on the lookout for in their 18-month-old child.

18-Month-Old Development

Your 18-month-old is likely quite active and developing a wide range of physical abilities.

18-month-old weight and height

What are the ideal measurements and weight for an 18-month-old? At 18 months of age, girls typically weigh 23.4 pounds and boys 24.1 pounds, according to the World Health Organization. At 18 months of age, females typically reach a height of 31.8 inches and boys 32.4 inches.

18-month-old milestones

A common concern among parents is, “What is appropriate activity for an 18-month-old?” Some developmental milestones that your kid may have achieved or be working toward at 18 months of age are:

Walking: Walking isn’t enough for most 18-month-olds; they’re also running. Jumping might be in their future. However, whether you’re in a crowded area or going on a longer walk, they will likely still demand to be carried.

Speech: Babies often learn to talk at around 18 months of age. Your youngster may begin to use two-word sentences in the near future. As they get more adept at pointing, toddlers will eventually start asking for things by name. (The same holds true for identifying individuals!)

Teething: Get ready for another bout of teething since most toddlers’ top cuspids come through between 16 and 22 months.

Potty training: Some toddlers may begin to exhibit symptoms of being ready to begin toilet training around this age. Your kid could be ready to start potty training if they express the need to go, ask to have their diaper changed, show interest in using the potty, can undo their trousers, or go two hours without wetting them. However, you shouldn’t hasten the process; most children are prepared to wean themselves off diapers between the ages of 2 and 3. If you begin before your child reaches the appropriate developmental stage, it will be futile.

18-month-old behavior

Your 18-month-old, who is full of energy and eager to explore the world on his own, can be acting out in unexpected and difficult ways. Below you’ll find some ideas on how to handle:

Tantrums. Your child may have tantrums because, despite their rapid linguistic development, they still can’t express themselves fully. Be sure they’re well-fed and rested before a stressful event, like a trip to the grocery store, and keep the excursion brief.

Separation anxiety. We’ve all been there: sneaking out the door without saying goodbye as soon as the babysitter shows there. However, if you don’t want your child to think you’re going anywhere without a trace, it’s important to constantly let them know when you’re leaving and stress that you will return. Other viable options? Before you depart, plan something fun to do with them, and be sure to say a quick, strong farewell while keeping the tone light.

ADHD. So, your 18-month-old exhibits hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing? It is too early to diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), however parents may start to worry that their kid may be exhibiting symptoms of the illness. This is a typical developmental milestone for children of this age; when these symptoms persist, it may be a sign of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Having said that, keep in mind that a proper assessment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) will most likely not take place until your child is enrolled in a formal educational program.

Autism. Your child’s physician will ask you a battery of questions on your child’s conduct during the 18-month visit in an effort to detect autism spectrum disorder. Unusual behavior, such as flailing arms, avoiding eye contact, and acting strangely around other people, might be indicators.

How to discipline an 18-month-old

Looking for a way to discipline your child? Keep in mind that toddlers’ social-emotional and cognitive capacities are still growing, and that they don’t yet have the language skills necessary to express themselves adequately (can you fathom how excruciating it must be?). Rewarding good conduct is more appropriate than punishing bad behavior. Recognize their emotions, but then establish and maintain boundaries. Give them lots of love and attention, as well as plenty to eat, sleep, and play. Above all else, show them patience and figure out how to teach them proper conduct.

18-Month-Old Health

Babies around 18 months of age tend to get mild illness after mild illness. At this age, parents often wonder about things like:

He is 18 months old and has diarrhea. What am I to do?
There is constipation in my 18-month-old. What am I to do?
Fever has struck my 18-month-old baby. What am I to do?
How can I treat my 18-month-old child’s cough?
My 18-month-old infant is having an upset stomach. What am I to do?
How can I treat croup in a baby who is 18 months old?

18-Month-Old Food

This is the age of transition when it comes to consumptive fluids: Aside from drinking whole milk instead of formula or breast milk, your youngster likely isn’t eating as much “baby food” anymore. A straw cup is a good option for around half of 18-month-olds, while the majority can use a conventional cup. Still, it’s too early for them to be using bottles. (Bottles are usually meant to be removed at the 12-month mark.)

How much should my 18-month-old eat and drink?

Children between the ages of one and two should follow a similar feeding schedule to adults: three square meals plus two snacks.

In the absence of additional sources of calcium, aim to provide your kid with three 8-ounce cups of whole milk daily. Be careful not to coerce your child into drinking it if they aren’t interested.

Take it easy while weaning an 18-month-old off breast milk. You should wait three to seven days after stopping one breastfeeding session each day before starting the next. The danger of infection and clogged milk ducts increases if you move too quickly. And because it’s a change that could affect your child emotionally, they might require some additional support when they wean.

What should my 18-month-old be eating?

Keep snack time and mealtimes varied by offering your child a variety of meals. The recommended daily intake for most toddlers is 3/4 to 1 cup of fruits and vegetables, 1.5 cups of grains, and 4 tablespoons of protein.

Need some ideas for healthy and delicious meals? Take a look at these 18-month-old meal suggestions:

18-month-old won’t eat

Keep calm if your toddler refuses healthy food and eats what appears like a quarter of a mouthful at mealtime; pickiness is a common trait among toddlers. They’re not developing at the same rate as they were in their first year, and letting them eat whatever they want is a big deal now that they’re learning to be independent. All you can do is continue to provide your child with healthy food options, shop for and prepare meals together, and set a good example when it comes to how to eat. Feel free to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your child’s growth or weight gain during the 18-month visit with the physician.

Should an 18-month-old take vitamins?

Consult your child’s physician about vitamin supplements if you are worried that your child isn’t receiving enough of certain nutrients from their regular diet. Supplements including iron, vitamin D, or multivitamins are used by some toddlers. Supplemental fiber is often prescribed to 18-month-olds to avoid constipation, although this is typically unnecessary because a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is usually enough to keep their digestive tract regular.

18-Month-Old Sleep

The maturation and maturation of your toddler’s brain depend on his or her getting enough sleep.

How much sleep does an 18-month-old need?

The average 18-month-old needs 13–14 hours of sleep daily, broken down as 11–12 hours of sleep at night and 1.5–3 hours of nap time.

18-month-old sleep training

By the time a child reaches the 18-month mark, medical professionals advise that they should be able to go to sleep alone in their own bed, without assistance from caregivers (such as rocking or a specific music on a tablet). Reason being, should your little one wake up throughout the night, they should be able to put themselves back to sleep independently.

Is it still too early? Even if your baby is still in a crib at 18 months, it’s never too late to start a sleep training routine. However, keep in mind that they may be more sensitive to it now because they are older and more aware of the effects of being apart from you than when they were babies. Take it easy and establish a pattern where your kid regularly goes to bed when he or she is tired yet alert. If they’ve become accustomed to spending nighttime with you, try separating yourself from their room a little bit each night until you’ve done it.

18-month-old sleep regression

A regression occurs when a child who was previously a good sleeper starts waking up more often, which can be confusing for their parents. Possible causes include a disruption in their usual sleeping schedule due to a trip or vacation, an illness, or a period of teething. The key to getting your child back to their regular sleeping schedule is figuring out what’s causing the problem and then finding a solution that works for them. Maintain the regular schedule of bedtime and establish restrictions to assist your youngster in getting back on track.

18-month-old won’t sleep

It could feel like you’re at a loss as to how to put the child to sleep certain times. The fact remains, nevertheless, that children require sleep and will go to sleep when prompted. Relax them down for bedtime by turning off electronics (TV, music, etc.), giving them a warm bath, and reading them a lullaby. Also, be consistent with the routine: read a book, give a kiss, replenish water, and then turn off the lights. Keep your child from procrastinating.

18-month-old climbing out of crib

I love climbing! When your 18-month-old wants to get out of the crib, who are you to blame? While some astute parents manage to foil their toddlers’ escape attempts, others are powerless to do so. When it’s obvious your kid isn’t staying put, climbing presents a greater risk of injury than rolling from a low bed. After that, you’ll need to either add rails to the crib or get a toddler bed or big kid bed. For safety reasons, some parents prefer to place their infant’s crib mattress directly on the floor.

18-month-old night terrors

An bout of uncontrollable sobbing or screaming during which the kid does not awaken and remains unconscious is called a night terror. Instead of attempting to wake your child who is having a night terror, focus on calming them down so they can go back to sleep. Furthermore, make sure their resting area is secure so they won’t hurt themselves if they wriggle or flail.

Fortunately, these seeming irrational disturbances to your sleep are really only troubling you. Even children don’t recall them! Even better, by the time they’re thirteen, the majority of children have outgrown them. Night terrors have an unknown origin but can be triggered by changes in habit, extreme exhaustion, or stress. In order to ensure that your child gets a good night’s sleep, it’s best to establish and adhere to a soothing bedtime routine.

Activities for an 18-Month-Old

It’s a blast to play with babies that are eighteen months old. Your child will learn as you bond through shared experiences like singing, reading, and dancing. Still trying to figure out what to do with your 18-month-old? When it comes to entertaining an 18-month-old, here are a few suggestions:

Singing “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” Fun melodies and rhymes are a big hit with 18-month-olds when it comes to finger play.

Reading board books. Your growing youngster will likely begin to explore books independently, looking at each page and turning the pages.

Playing music. Let the little ones get their groove on! With time, your child could begin to join in the singing.

Playing catch. Overhand ball throwing could be within your child’s reach soon.

Blowing bubbles. The best method to make a toddler happy is to take them outside and let them play with bubbles.

Playing hide-and-seek with a toy. With the development of object permanence, your child may now recall specific details about an object even when they are unable to view it.

Enjoying pretend play. Playing pretend is a crucial aspect of a child’s growth, and your 18-month-old is at the perfect age to start. Get them to help you make breakfast in their pretend kitchen or put on your superhero costumes so you can play pretend with them.

18-Month-Old Baby Checklist and Tips

Your kid should get a checkup at 18 months.
Make an appointment for your toddler’s annual (24-month) checkup.
If your child hasn’t already had the Hepatitis A, DTaP, or Hib vaccines, they may require a booster shot.
Continue cleaning your teeth. A desire to accomplish something independently may develop in your toddler. Make sure you’re helping out so you can be sure their teeth are cleaned adequately, but encourage them to be independent.
Spend time together cleaning up. Your little one will quickly figure out where things go and be able to put their own toys away.
Research the procedures for transferring your baby from the infant room to the toddler room if they attend a daycare. For optimal social development, it is best to gradually expose an 18-month-old to other toddlers of the same age.
Typically, toddlers at this age are able to name a number of different bodily parts. Make up some crazy games as they continue to practice the names of body parts—it will help them learn and expand their vocabulary!