What to Expect at 16 to 18 Months

Why can development change quickly from 16 to 18 months?

This is a transition between skills on the 15-month checklist and the more independent examples on the 18-month checklist. One child may become steadier at walking while another adds words or imitates daily routines.

CDC does not publish separate 16- or 17-month checklists. Its US guidance says to use the younger checklist when a child falls between checklist ages; this is not the UK health-review schedule.

The 18-month checklist offers examples of skills most children can do by that age. Use it to notice development, not as an exam.

How may walking and movement progress?

Many children begin to need less support as they move around. Steps may still be wide or wobbly, and falling and getting back up can be part of learning.

Walking without holding on is on the CDC 18-month checklist. Some children do this earlier; others become more confident closer to 18 months.

A child may also squat and stand, try climbing onto furniture, or push and pull toys. Offer a safe space to move at their own pace rather than trying to hurry them.

What changes may you notice in language and communication?

Some children begin trying new words more often during this period. CDC lists trying to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada” on its 18-month checklist.

Adult-like pronunciation is not expected. A consistent sound used meaningfully can count as a word attempt. Gestures, eye contact, and sounds are also part of communication.

A child may begin following a simple one-step direction without a gesture. CDC gives “Give me the toy” as an example for 18 months.

How do pointing and shared attention develop?

As a child approaches 18 months, they may point not only to ask for something but to share interest. They might point to a bird or passing car and then look towards you.

CDC includes pointing to show you something interesting on its 18-month social-emotional checklist. It is one example of sharing attention with another person.

Follow your child’s gaze, name what they show you, and respond with a short comment. These everyday exchanges can support communication.

What can imitation and early pretend play look like?

Imitation may become part of everyday play. A child might pretend to sweep with a small broom, hold a toy phone to their ear, or push a toy car back and forth.

CDC lists copying household chores and using toys in a simple, functional way as 18-month cognitive milestones.

Offering a spoon to a doll or pretending to drink from an empty cup may also appear. These skills do not all need to emerge at the same time.

How may fine motor and daily skills change?

Closer to 18 months, a child may scribble, drink from an open cup, and try using a spoon. CDC includes these examples on its 18-month checklist.

Spilling and messy attempts are expected; drinking neatly or using a spoon perfectly is not required.

A child may help by putting an arm through a sleeve, hold out their hands for washing, or look at a few pages of a book with you.

Can independence and closeness happen together?

Yes. A child may move away to explore and then look back to check that you are nearby. CDC includes this pattern on its 18-month social-emotional checklist.

Exploring while checking back shows that growing independence can coexist with a need for a trusted carer. It does not mean the child no longer needs you.

Some children are more cautious in new places, while others explore quickly. Temperament alone is not a developmental problem.

What can you do today?

Notice which movement, communication, imitation, and daily skills your child has started doing more often over the past few weeks.

If your child is 16 or 17 months, do not treat the 18-month checklist as a test. England’s next routine development review is usually at 2 to 2½ years, but you can contact your health visitor or GP sooner.

Respond to your child’s imitation, name what they point to, and make safe space for movement.

If your child clearly loses a skill they had already gained, contact their healthcare professional rather than waiting.