Development milestones 18 to 21 months

Development milestones 18 to 21 months

[mme_highlight] Toddlers in this age group can identify about 6 parts of body. The child also begins to turn one page at a time.  Over 90% of children in this period can independently walk and 80 % of kids can run. [/mme_highlight]

In this period, children improve complex fine motor activities. The toddler continues the cognitive and social development, enjoys socializing with other children and begins to understand the importance of language for social interaction. Most children in this age group are ready to start toilet training.

Cognitive development

Toddlers in this age group can identify about 6 parts of body (e.g. child touches her/his nose when parents ask “Where is the nose?”). Also, they love to dance to the rhythm of music. Parents should expect the development of self-regulation (children begin to voluntarily control their behavior and attention). According to research, 33% of children between 18 to 20 months are able to voluntarily control their behavior.

In addition, children become aware of themselves (self-awareness). 68% of children recognize the image in the mirror as their own body.

Children love to imitate their parents (e.g. during the game, toddlers choose similar toys that parents take and use them the same way). 84% of children perform synchronic imitation and the duration of imitation lasts from 10 to 20 seconds in 18 months old children; the duration increases by 21 months old toddlers (26 to 39 seconds).

At this age, a toddler can identify objects that are used in the daily routine (spoon, phone, hairbrush etc.). The child also begins to turn one page at a time and knows to identify (e.g. pointing to picture when parents ask “Where is the dog?”):

  • At least 2 pictures with animals;
  • On average 4 pictures with animals.

Motor development

Over 90% of children in this period can independently walk and 80 % of kids can run. 98 % of children at the age of 18 months walk with heel strike. He/she begins to climb the stairs, but also to climb the furniture. The child is now also able to walk back a few steps, can climb up and down on chairs and perform other actions while walking (pushing or pulling a toy while walking).

At the age of 20 months, the child is able to squat without holding on, grab a toy, get up and keep on going, but she/he is still insecure in overcoming the obstacles and often falls down.

The toddler continues to improve coordination and to develop fine motor skills, so do not be surprised if your child begins to use a crayon and starts to scribble on a paper. In addition, children are able to independently drink from a cup and eat using a spoon. They love to play with blocks and they should know to build a tower with at least 4 blocks.

Social/Emotional skills

In this period child enjoys the company of adults, and especially loves to play with older children. The toddler can act aggressively (hitting or pulling hair) and this is normal because she/he wants to try out new patterns of behavior.

Children often imitate everyday situations and conversations through play. At the age of 18 months, 85% of children begin to pretend play (e.g. brush doll’s hair, use vacuum cleaner etc.).

Language/communication development

At the age of 18 months toddler has about 10 words in the vocabulary. At the age of 21 months, a child knows to say about 20 words. He/she understands two-steps commands (e.g. “go, get a toy!”) and begins to link two words in phrases, such as “no more”. About 30% of children have the ability of combining words.

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Representation of words in toddler’s vocabulary

  • 60 % of toddler’s first 50 words are nouns;
  • Less than 20% of words are verbs or action words.

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It was noticed that children whose parents read stories at 6 months of age have 40% increase in receptive vocabulary at the age of 18 months. On the other hand, toddlers whose parents did not use to read have only a 16 % increase in receptive vocabulary.

What are the alarm signs parents should be aware of?

  • If the child does not walk independently until 21 months;
  • If the child does not imitate adults;
  • If the child cannot identify objects present in everyday use;
  • If the toddler cannot say at least 6 words;
  • If the child does not babble trying to imitate the adults’ conversation;
  • If the child does not show interest in peers;
  • If the toddler cannot understand simple instructions.

What are the risk factors that can impair development?

During this period, the child likes to climb all over the furniture. Therefore, you should pay attention and protect the child from falling. Tipping over the furniture is the cause for 12% of baby walker injuries. In addition, parents should install stair gates because falling down the stairs is the cause of 76% of baby walker injuries.

Parents should remove dangerous objects (knives, glassware etc.) and ensure that child cannot reach them when he/she climbs on a piece of furniture. Parents should also remove items that can easily fall hurting the child.

The child is curious and he/she likes to touch and see everything. So, you should keep her/him away from sources of fire and make sure that toddler has no access to hot irons or oven.

What should parents do to encourage the development of the baby at this age?

At this age, parents should talk to the child as much as possible (e.g. explain the function of the object) as this helps to enrich the child’s vocabulary. It is recommended to arrange puzzles with large pieces.

Parents should involve children in their daily routine and encourage them to imitate everyday situations (e.g. Give your child toys in the form of cooking set and encourage her/him to imitate adults). In addition, ask your child to identify the parts of body and familiar objects.

Parents should be supportive and patient during toilet training and should reward child for a well-done task.

Summary and Recommendations

  • Between 18 and 21 months of age, your child will show developmental progresses every day. Knowing what to expect makes it easier for you to recognize the progresses and help the child to achieve them.
  • Cognitive Development: The child identifies parts of the body, loves to dance and listen to new rhythms. Children develop a sense of self-awareness and can turn one page at a time while reading a book.
  • Motor Development: Most children walk by 18 months, use crayons and build a tower of 4 blocks.
  • Social/Emotional Development: Children love to play with older children.
  • Language Development: By 18 months the lexicon is composed of 10 words and of 20 words by 21 months.
  • Each child has her/his own pace, but if you think your child is not developing adequately, seek for medical advice.

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References

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