Toddlers enter a period of rapid development during their 18th month of life. Parenting expert Heidi Murkoff, author of the "What to Expect" series of parenting books, notes that many 18-month-old toddlers begin expanding their vocabulary and physical dexterity exponentially around that age. Each child follows his own unique pattern of growth and development, but key milestones can indicate a child's overall state of mental and physical health.
Areas of Development
Health experts recognize four basic categories of child development: physical, cognitive, social and linguistic. Among physical milestones, skills may be further qualified as fine motor skills, which involve small groups of muscles, or gross motor skills, which involve large groups of muscles. During the 18th month of life, a toddler will refine her skills in all these areas of development.
Social Development
At 18 months, a toddler may begin asserting his individual needs, thoughts and preferences. During this awkward phase of development, he is caught uncomfortably between infanthood and personhood; he may swing rapidly between clingy behaviors and stubborn independence. The National Institutes of Health also note that toddlers at this age can generally say 10 or more words; some begin adding new words at a rate of several per day. At this age, toddlers should also display affection, listen to stories and imitate behaviors.
Physical Development
An 18-month-old may be busy refining her gross motor and fine motor skills. The National Institutes of Health note that, at this age, most toddlers have the fine motor skills necessary to stack two to four blocks, imitate scribbling, turn pages in a book and use a spoon with help. Eighteen-month-old toddlers may also be capable of exercising the gross motor muscles necessary to run, walk up stairs with help and climb onto a chair. Additionally, some children at this age begin showing symptoms of bowel control; however, most are not yet psychologically prepared for potty training.
Preventative Health Care
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends well-child visits to a pediatrician during certain phases in development, including the 18th month. During this check-up, the doctor will evaluate his speech, muscle tone and coordination. If the doctor suspects the presence of a developmental delay, he or she may refer parents to a child development specialist or early intervention program. In some cases, delayed development could indicate the presence of a medical condition, such as cerebral palsy or autism-spectrum disorder.
Considerations
Regular interactive play can improve a toddler's social, cognitive and physical development. Parents can help expand a child's vocabulary through picture books and interactive communication. The National Institutes of Health recommend that parents limit toddlers' exposure to games and television. Caregivers should emphasize games that involve creativity and fine motor coordination. If a toddler's development seems abnormal or delayed, his caregivers should consult a pediatrician or early intervention program.
