What are the expected developmental milestones for a child at 18 months?

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Last updated: March 2, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

At 18 months, a child is expected to sit, stand, and walk independently, as well as grasp and manipulate small objects, according to the most recent and highest quality study 1. This expectation is based on the typical developmental milestones observed in children at this age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends periodic developmental screening at 9,18, and 30 months, which includes assessing motor skills development, such as rolling, sitting, standing, and walking independently, as well as grasping and manipulating small objects 1. Some key milestones to look out for at 18 months include:

  • Sitting independently
  • Standing with support
  • Walking independently
  • Grasping and manipulating small objects
  • Pointing to objects or people
  • Saying a few words, such as "mama" or "dada" It's essential to note that every child develops at their own pace, and some may need more time to master certain skills. However, if there are concerns about a child's development, it's crucial to consult with a pediatrician or a qualified healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of continuous developmental surveillance throughout childhood, with additional screenings performed whenever concerns are raised by parents, child health professionals, or others involved in the care of the child 1. In cases where there are concerns about hearing or communication, a careful assessment of middle-ear status and a speech-language evaluation with validated tools should be conducted, as recommended by the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing 1. Overall, monitoring a child's developmental milestones and addressing any concerns promptly can help ensure they receive the necessary support and interventions to promote healthy development and improve their quality of life.

From the Research

Developmental Milestones at 18 Months

There are no research papers provided to assist in answering this question about the expected developmental milestones for a child at 18 months, as the studies focus on atopic dermatitis and its treatment.

  • The studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 discuss various aspects of atopic dermatitis, including its pathogenesis, treatment options, and management, but do not address developmental milestones in children.
  • None of the provided studies offer information on the expected developmental milestones for a child at 18 months, such as language development, gross motor skills, or cognitive abilities.
  • Therefore, it is not possible to provide a list of expected developmental milestones for a child at 18 months based on the provided evidence.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

More than skin deep: the systemic nature of atopic dermatitis.

European journal of dermatology : EJD, 2019

Research

Biologics in atopic dermatitis.

Current opinion in allergy and clinical immunology, 2021

Research

Atopic dermatitis.

Allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology : official journal of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2024

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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