18-month-old milestones: the CDC checklist

Wording from the CDC.

Most children (75 in 100) do these things by 18 months; mark what your child does and take the list to your child’s doctor.

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Social/Emotional Milestones

Moves away from you, but looks to make sure you are close by
Points to show you something interesting
Puts hands out for you to wash them
Looks at a few pages in a book with you
Helps you dress him by pushing arm through sleeve or lifting up foot

Language/Communication Milestones

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.”

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom
Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

Walks without holding on to anyone or anything
Scribbles
Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimes
Feeds himself with his fingers
Tries to use a spoon
Climbs on and off a couch or chair without help

Other important things to share with the doctor

CDC suggests these questions; the wording is CDC’s.

  1. What are some things you and your child do together?
  2. What are some things your child likes to do?
  3. Is there anything your child does or does not do that concerns you?
  4. Has your child lost any skills he/she once had?
  5. Does your child have any special healthcare needs or was he/she born prematurely?

What to ask the doctor

Talk with your child’s doctor. You know your child best. If you have a concern, don’t wait for the next visit: call your child’s doctor, share it, and ask about developmental screening.

Screenings at checkups. Doctors are advised to screen every child’s development with a standard questionnaire at the 9-, 18- and 30-month visits, and to screen for autism at the 18- and 24-month visits. You can ask for a screening at any visit.

If your child loses a skill. If your child stops doing something they used to do, at any age, call the doctor. Losing a skill is always worth a call.

You don’t need a referral. If your child is under 3, you can contact your state’s early intervention program yourself. From age 3, contact your local public school district, even if your child doesn’t go there. Find early intervention (CDC)

If you have concerns, talk to your child's doctor.

Sources: Zubler et al. 2022, Pediatrics 149(3) (the 2022 checklists); Lipkin and Macias 2020, Pediatrics 145(1) (the screening schedule); CDC’s early intervention pages.

Act early

You know your child best. Don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.

If you or the doctor are still concerned

  • Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your child more; and
  • Call your state or territory's early intervention program to find out if your child can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI.

From CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” page for this age.

Questions parents ask at 18 months

Answered from CDC’s 2022 checklists, quoting CDC’s wording exactly.

My 18-month-old isn’t talking much. How many words does CDC list?

CDC’s 18-month list says “Tries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada””. The next checkpoint, 2 years, lists “Says at least two words together, like “More milk.”” Understanding is on the 18-month list too: “Follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say, “Give it to me.”” CDC’s advice is to act early: if you have a concern, don’t wait, and talk with your child’s doctor.

What does pointing look like at 18 months?

CDC lists two kinds of pointing. At 15 months: “Points to ask for something or to get help”. At 18 months: “Points to show you something interesting”, pointing to share rather than to ask. If you have a question about it, talk with your child’s doctor.

Should my 18-month-old use a spoon?

At 18 months CDC lists “Tries to use a spoon” and “Feeds himself with his fingers”. “Eats with a spoon” is on the 2-year list. If you have a question about eating, talk with your child’s doctor.

What comes before and after 18 months

Show CDC’s 15-month and 24-month lists

CDC’s checklists for the checkpoints on either side of 18 months, word for word, by area of development. They are here to compare; the checklist to mark is the 18-month one above.

Social/Emotional Milestones

At 15 months

  • Copies other children while playing, like taking toys out of a container when another child does
  • Shows you an object she likes
  • Claps when excited
  • Hugs stuffed doll or other toy
  • Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, or kisses you)

At 24 months

  • Notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is crying
  • Looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation

Language/Communication Milestones

At 15 months

  • Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog
  • Looks at a familiar object when you name it
  • Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, he gives you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, “Give me the toy.”
  • Points to ask for something or to get help

At 24 months

  • Points to things in a book when you ask, like “Where is the bear?”
  • Says at least two words together, like “More milk.”
  • Points to at least two body parts when you ask him to show you
  • Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

At 15 months

  • Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book
  • Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks

At 24 months

  • Holds something in one hand while using the other hand; for example, holding a container and taking the lid off
  • Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy
  • Plays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plate

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

At 15 months

  • Takes a few steps on his own
  • Uses fingers to feed herself some food

At 24 months

  • Kicks a ball
  • Runs
  • Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help
  • Eats with a spoon

Tips and activities for 18 months

From CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program. The tips and activities below are CDC’s, word for word. CDC’s page for this age

What You Can Do for Your 18-month-old

As your child's first teacher, you can help his or her learning and brain development. Try these simple tips and activities in a safe way. Talk with your child's doctor and teachers if you have questions or for more ideas on how to help your child's development.

  • Use positive words and give more attention to behaviors you want to see ("wanted behaviors"). For example, "Look how nicely you put the toy away." Give less attention to those you don't want to see.
  • Encourage "pretend" play. Give your child a spoon so she can pretend to feed her stuffed animal. Take turns pretending.
  • Help your child learn about others' feelings and about positive ways to react. For example, when he sees a child who is sad, say "He looks sad. Let's bring him a teddy."
More Parenting Tips and Activities (17)
  • Ask simple questions to help your child think about what's around her. For example, ask her, "What is that?"
  • Let your child use a cup without a lid for drinking and practice eating with a spoon. Learning to eat and drink is messy but fun!
  • Give simple choices. Let your child choose between two things. For example, when dressing, ask him if he wants to wear the red or blue shirt.
  • Have steady routines for sleeping and eating. For example, sit at the table with your child when she's eating meals and snacks. This helps set mealtime routines for your family.
  • Limit screen time (TV, tablets, phones, etc.) to video calling with loved ones. Screen time is not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age. Children learn by talking, playing, and interacting with others. Limit your own screen time when you are with your child so you are able to respond to her words and actions.
  • Ask your child's doctor and/or teachers if your child is ready for toilet training. Most children are not successful at toilet training until 2 to 3 years old. If he is not ready, it can cause stress and setbacks, which can cause training to take longer.
  • Expect tantrums. They are normal at this age and should become shorter and happen less often as your child gets older. You can try distractions, but it's ok to ignore the tantrum. Give him some time to calm down and move on.
  • Talk with your child by facing her and getting down to her eye level when possible. This helps your child "see" what you're saying through your eyes and face, not just your words.
  • Start to teach your child the names for body parts by pointing them out and saying things like "Here's your nose, here's my nose," while pointing to her nose and your own.
  • Try to respond to your child's behavior in a safe, and loving way. Stay consistent as much as possible.
  • Teach your child more words by adding to the words she says. For example, if she says "Dog," say "Yes, that's a dog. Dogs say 'woof, woof.'"
  • Play with your child by rolling balls back and forth, pushing toy cars, and putting blocks or other items in and out of containers.
  • Read books and talk about the pictures using simple words.
  • Play simple games where both of you have a part to play. Blow bubbles and let your child pop them. Say things as he pops them, such as "Pop, pop."
  • Create a spot in your home for your child to go to when he's upset. Stay nearby so your child knows he is safe and can come to you for help calming as needed.
  • Give toys that your child can push or pull safely.
  • Give toys and things to your child that encourage "pretend" play, such as a doll and a baby blanket.

On CDC’s site

The checklist on this page is CDC’s, word for word. CDC’s site already has an online checklist for each age. What this page adds: a corrected-age calculator and a list for the doctor that prints without an email step.

More for parents

Milestone checklist: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Learn the Signs. Act Early.”, 2022 revision. Source: CDC. Read this checklist on cdc.gov

Use of CDC material on this page does not imply endorsement by CDC, ATSDR, HHS or the United States Government.

Prepared by MyTestAtlas from CDC materials.