Your toddler at 18 months

The CDC's 18-month checklist includes walking alone, scribbling, pointing to show you something interesting and trying to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”.

The CDC's milestone checklist for 18 months lists 15 things most children (75% or more) do by 18 months, such as “Walks without holding on to anyone or anything” and “Tries to say three or more words besides ‘mama’ or ‘dada’”. Many do them sooner. If your toddler isn't doing one or more of them, or has lost a skill, the CDC says don't wait: talk with your child's doctor.

Checked October 29, 2026.

What most children do by 18 months

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

From the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklist, Milestones by 18 months, word for word (CDC page dated May 15, 2026; checked October 29, 2026). These are things most children (75% or more) can do by 18 months. The CDC's page has a photo or video of each one.

Play today

Show me
When your toddler points at something interesting, go and look together and name it.
Hand-washing song
Sing a short song while you wash hands together, so it becomes part of the routine.
Bring me...
Give one-step directions without pointing: "Bring me your shoe." Then let your toddler give you one.

Things to say

“You showed me the bird!”
“Bring me the ball, please.”
“Wash, wash, wash your hands.”

Say it, then wait. Give your toddler time to answer with a look, a sound or a word, and answer back.

A book to share

A picture book about bath time or bedtime. Read it at that time of day, so the words match what's happening.

Your library has board books and picture books to borrow, and most run free story times.

Questions parents ask about this age

When do babies walk?By 15 months: Takes a few steps on his own
When do babies start talking?By 15 months: Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog
When do babies point?By 15 months: Points to ask for something or to get help
When do toddlers run?By 2 years: Runs
When do toddlers walk up stairs?By 2 years: Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help
When do toddlers use a spoon?By 18 months: Tries to use a spoon
When do toddlers scribble?By 18 months: Scribbles
When do toddlers follow directions?By 15 months: 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.”
When do toddlers dress themselves?By 30 months: Takes some clothes off by himself, like loose pants or an open jacket

Talk to your pediatrician if…

Your toddler isn't doing one or more of the things on the CDC's 18-month list above, has lost a skill they once had, or you're worried for any reason.

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.
CDC, Learn the Signs. Act Early.

If you or the doctor are still concerned, the CDC says to ask for a referral to a specialist, and to call your state's early intervention program (find the number on the CDC's list). You do not need to wait for a doctor's referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call. If your child is younger than 3 years old, contact your local early intervention system.

More from the CDC: Concerned about your child's development? If your child seems unwell, call your pediatrician, or 911 in an emergency.

What the CDC suggests you share with the doctor

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

From the CDC's Milestones by 18 months page. The CDC suggests filling in a milestone checklist and sharing it with your child's doctor; its Milestone Tracker app is free.

Peabody Parents