Skip links

12 – 18 Months Developmental Milestones

Learning about stages of typical development can help parents anticipate what to expect next in order to guide their babies more successfully and confidently, through each developmental stage. Please keep in mind that even though there are typical patterns of development, actual timelines will vary for each child.

The information below is a basic guideline to help parents identify the developmental milestones of typically developing toddlers.

12-15 Months

  • Rolls toys with wheels, fills and empties, throws things, rolls a ball, and stacks 2 blocks.
  • Likes to turn pages of a book.
  • Begins to walk without help.
  • Likes to explore with caregiver close by.
  • Enjoys playing alone, recognizes self in mirror.
  • Eats finger foods.
  • Helps dress and undress self.
  • Can say four to ten words and likes nursery rhymes and silly songs.
  • Can identify family members in photographs.
  • Demands personal attention.
  • May be afraid of strangers.
  • Blinks eyes and points to body parts.
  • Responds to key words.
  • Shows pride in personal accomplishment.
  • Is affectionate to humans and objects.

16-18 Months

  • Walks down stairs holding a hand.
  • Pushes stroller and climbs on furniture.
  • Squats during play.
  • Enjoys noise and action such as playing a drum or splashing in water.
  • Uses spoon and cup alone, although messy.
  • Enjoys learning about cause and effect such as turning on a light or pressing a button on a toy to make a noise.
  • Can walk backwards.
  • Responds to simple requests.
  • Can say 10-20 words such as “all gone” and “more”.
  • Is responsive to parent and caregivers, but may be anxious around strangers.
  • Knows when loved ones are gone.
  • Will imitate adults.
  • Is NOT able to share.
  • Can be emotionally unstable. Unable to tolerate frustration.
  • Can be stubborn, shakes head and says, “No!”
  • May be afraid of loud noises and large animals.

If you feel your baby is not growing or learning in the way you expect, please talk with your pediatrician and/or call Alabama’s Early Intervention System for further assessment (1-800-441-7607).

Return to top of page