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12-18 Month Developmental Milestones

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9-12 Month Developmental Milestones
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18-24 Month Developmental Milestones

Movement and physical development

Normal development

  • Walks alone
  • May walk up steps and run
  • Pulls toys while walking
  • Can help undress herself
  • Drinks from a cup
  • Begins using spoon
  • Can stack 3-6 cubes

Possible challenges from treatment

  • May regress in previously mastered skills

Ways to help

  • Encourage physical activities to build strength and regain skills
  • Make physical activity playful
  • Offer a play mat to encourage out-of-bed play
 

Language and communication

Normal development

  • Says a few words
  • Says and shakes head “no”
  • Points to show someone what he wants

Possible challenges from treatment

  • May have difficulties expressing themselves
  • Might be slower to respond due to stranger anxiety
  • Hearing problems may be possible in some cases.

Ways to help

  • Read to your baby and point to the words and pictures on the page
  • Praise your child for using his or her words
  • Sing and talk to your child throughout the day using new words they may not know
  • Follow directions for proper hearing aid use if prescribed.

Social and emotional

Normal development

  • Likes to hand things to others as play
  • May have temper tantrums
  • May be afraid of strangers
  • Shows affection to familiar people
  • Plays simple pretend, such as feeding a doll
  • May cling to caregivers in new situations
  • Points to show others something interesting
  • Explores alone but with parent close by

Possible challenges from treatment

  • May be more cautious around new people
  • May display increased fussiness or tantrums
  • Separation from caregivers during procedures
  • May have more tantrums and say “no” more often
  • Limited choices limits independence and control

Ways to help

  • Help your child begin to learn feelings words by naming his or her feelings
  • Encourage play with medical items to help your child process feelings and feel more in control
  • Provide a lot of affection and attention to help your baby feel secure
  • Encourage exposure to other children by participating in play groups when possible
  • Try to maintain a loose schedule to help your child feel secure and know what to expect
 

Thinking and learning

Normal development

  • Knows what ordinary things are for; for example, telephone, brush, spoon
  • Points to get the attention of others
  • Shows interest in a doll or stuffed animal by pretending to feed
  • Points to one body part
  • Scribbles on his own
  • Can follow 1-step verbal commands without any gestures; for example, sits when you say “sit down”

Possible challenges from treatment

  • May have more difficulty understanding/following directions

Ways to help

  • Encourage your child to explore new sensory experiences. Allow them to get messy sometimes.
  • Children learn by trying new things. Allow your child to make mistakes.
  • Encourage play activities that involve art, music, movement, books, and pretending
  • Limit screen time (TV and tablet)
Previous
9-12 Month Developmental Milestones
Next
18-24 Month Developmental Milestones

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