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There are some key physical and communication milestones you will expect your 18 month old to reach. These milestones should be treated as a rough guide, as each child is unique and will develop at their own pace. It is often unhelpful to compare a child to other children or their siblings.
Last reviewed: 1 November, 2024
By 18 months it is likely your child will begin to say their first words. If your child is not talking, read our information on speech, language and communication.
Activities and games to explore with your toddler include:
Toddlers do not need lots of toys or devices to have fun or to encourage development.
They learn a lot of early skills by playing and spending time with you.
Sometimes development can be slower than you expect, or you may notice something different about your child or young person. It's normal to feel worried but there is lots of support out there.
Contact the health visiting team if you notice your baby is:
If your child needs more help or has additional needs, you can visit our specific section for extra support.
If you have any questions or concerns about your toddler's development, a health professional in our team will be able to offer advice and support.
You can email ccs.bedsandlutonchildrenshealthhub@nhs.net
You can call 0300 555 0606
Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
Or you can text:
Open Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm (excluding bank holidays).
Information for children aged 18 months old
Learning to move
Babies are limited in the amount they can move. They're strengthening their muscles with small movements throughout the day. Many parents worry about their babies developing flat head syndrome. Babies spend a lot of time sleeping and travelling on their back. It is important for babies to move around during the day.
Read more
Communicating with your baby
Babies can communicate from the moment they are born. As soon as they arrive, your baby is learning about speech, language and communication. When communicate with your baby, you are helping them learn to communicate. It's also important for you to understand how your baby is trying to communicate with you.
Read more
Hygiene for infants
It's important to try to keep your baby clean and healthy by bathing them and brushing their teeth. It can help your baby to build up their immunity to infections and stick to good personal hygiene as they get older.
Read more
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