Eighteen Months Old

18 month development

An 18 month should be able to:
runs, walks backwards, tower of 2 cubes, use spoon or fork, says 6 words

see Developmental Milestones

Immunizations

At 18 months, I like to finish the Hep A series. There must be a minimum of 6 months between Hep A #1 and #2. See full immunization schedule.

Feeding

Around 18 months, we will often begin to experiment with open cup drinking. We give the child an empty plastic cup and fill another cup with the amount of milk we think they will drink during the meal. We sit by the child and pour single sips into their cup. That way there is less mess when they throw the cup and we don’t have to keep getting up to refill their cup.

Temper Tantrums

Temper tantrums are very common in toddlers (and in many doctors). These fits are embarrassing and seem to occur at the worst times. The cure for temper tantrums is both simple and well known. If the bad behavior is not (... more on temper tantrums)

Potty Training

Potty training is difficult for parents because it is the first thing that the parents cannot do for their child. The interest and willingness to potty train must come from the child. (... more on potty training).

potty training questions

Hitting

I have a 21 month old son who is hitting. We are at the end of our ropes with him and nothing we have tried has worked to stop it. He hits all the time- for no clear reason. It can happen in any kind of mood, even if he has our (... more on hitting)

Biting

I have a 14 month old daughter who started biting at daycare about 3 weeks ago.  She transitioned from the "baby" room to the "one year old" room at 9 months because she started walking early. She was bitten many times (... more on biting)

Whining for Attention

My husband has started traveling for his work and ever since our 17 month old boy has had intense attachment to him when he comes home.  He clings to his legs and cries unless he's getting direct attention from him. (... more on Whining for Attention)

Transition from a Sippy cup to a Regular cup

How and when do you recommend transitioning from a sippy cup to a regular open cup? We begin the transition to an open cup between 18 months and 2 years. The suck mechanics of sippy cups and (... more on transition from a sippy cup to a regular cup)

Nighttime Waking

I have a 19 month old that used to sleep about 10 hours a night (asleep by 8pm and up at 6am).  Recently, she started waking up screeching and standing up in her crib at some point in the night.  I go to her because she (... more on Nighttime Waking)

Yeast Diaper Rashes

My 19 Month old son has had some symptoms that his daycare is identifying as a Yeast Infection. About 4 maybe 5 small red blister like bumps on his bottom. They appear to be going away but should I bring him (... more on Yeast Diaper Rashes)

Diaper Rashes in Toddlers

My girls are 19 months old and have never really gotten diaper rashes until recently.  There has not been a change in diet or bath wash or diapers, so I am really perplexed. Any ideas?  They (... more on Diaper Rashes in Toddlers)

Can't Eat Solid Foods

My son is turning 18 months this month, and ever since we started solid food at 6 months, he's been a little behind in terms of what he could tolerate with textures.  He had a severe gag reflex, and would often throw up (... more on Can't Eat Solid Foods)

Toddler Hitting Head

My 20 month old son is Extremely active and is constantly hitting his head.  Should we be worried he is going to damage anything inside that cute little head of his? (... more on Toddler Hitting Head)

Updated December 2011 by
Dr. Gordon, Windermere Pediatrician