During the second year of life, your child is making a huge transition from infancy to toddlerhood. By the age of 18 months, there are milestones in development many children have met, but don't worry too much about checking things off a list because babies learn at different rates. Children are learning at a tremendous rate at this age, expanding on motor and language skills, and there are things you can do to help your baby learn more about the world around her.
Language Skills
To the despair of parents, many 18-month-old babies know exactly what "no" means and use it often. However, this isn't the extent of their vocabulary, and babies at this age should know at least eight to ten words and be able to string together simple two- to three-word sentences, according to the National Network for Child Care. They can point to objects and name them and say "hi" and "bye" when prompted. To help your baby learn at this age, talk and read to him often. Name new objects, using repetition, and describe your actions and those of your baby's.
Cognitive Skills
Your baby's reasoning skills and memory are developing well at 18 months. With the ability to learn by trial-and-error and increased shape recognition, she can put different shapes of blocks into corresponding holes and build simple towers with blocks. She can remember where familiar toys are kept and look for them in another room, so make a game out of finding things and putting them away. Imagination and correlation are developing at this age, so provide opportunities for "pretend" play, such as turning a box into a car.
Social Skills
Your child may be ready for playdates with other children, but don't expect too much cooperative play, taking turns or sharing, as these skills are still being developed. Your child is learning about his relationships with other people and wants your attention often. Toddlers enjoy imitating what they see, particularly the actions of adults. Teach simple skills, such as sweeping the floor, by providing a child-size toy broom and demonstrating with yours. An 18-month-old should understand the concept of saying "please" when asking for something, so teach this word if he doesn't already know it.
Tips
Reading to your child, playing games and just talking are the most important things you can do to encourage learning. Babies learn from everything they see and hear, but flash cards and videos are not the most effective tools -- you are. Remember that every baby is different, and they all learn at different rates. If you suspect your child may have learning difficulties, consult a physician who can recommend testing.
References
- National Network for Child Care: Developmental Milestones, A Guide for Parents; Joyce Powell, et al.; March 1997
- KidsHealth: Learning, Play, and Your 1- to 2-Year Old; August 2008
- Great Beginnings: Learning About Your 18-Month-Old; Patricia T. Nelson, Ed.D.; January 1999
- Cornell University Department of Human Development: Research Sheds Light on How Babies Learn and Develop Language; Kimberly Kopko
