Your Baby’s Progress - Month 18
What’s Going on This Month?
Your Toddler
- Likes to play with other children.
- Removes clothing such as coat, shoes, pants, shirt.
- Begins to use words to make his wants known.
- Points to a few body parts.
- Often does the opposite of what he is asked to do.
- Copies simple tasks such as reading a book.
- Your toddler is beginning to exercise his newly found independence.
- He wants things quickly and becomes frustrated if that doesn’t happen.
Caring for Your Child
- Take your child to his doctor or nurse for his 18-month well-child checkup.
- If your child has all the required shots, no more are needed until kindergarten. Keep his immunization record in a safe place.
- Make sure your child receives a second dose of the Hepatitis A vaccine which can be given 6 months after the first dose.
Nutrition
- Try to have meals and snacks at or around the same time every day.
- Avoid serving snacks too close to your child’s mealtimes.
- Your child’s food likes and dislikes can change from day to day at this age.
- Never force a child to "clean their plate."
- Keep serving healthy foods each day. It can take 10 or more attempts for your child to like a new food.
Growth and Development Activities
- Give your child lots of hugs and kisses and encourage him to give you hugs and kisses.
- Help your child pick up toys and put them away.
- Teach your child how to set a table and do simple chores.
- Let your child play with other children.
- Blow bubbles with your child.
- Play games with your child such as tag or hide-and-go-seek.
- Read to your child.
- Your child will need help in playing with others, but enjoys being with other children.
This page last updated on 3/18/08.