Your baby, 18 months 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 and older

Your child loves to help you around the house. He sees you sweeping, mopping, vacuuming and folding laundry and wants to do the same. Although his `help` may not always actually be helpful, try to find ways that he can help. This will teach him how to be an active member of the family and also give him a sense of accomplishment. When you are washing dishes, give your child a dampened washcloth (no cleaner) and allow him to wipe down the table or the cabinets. Buy your child a set of child-sized household tools-a broom, mop and a vacuum. He will learn how to do these things correctly by watching you. Don't scold him if he makes mistakes or does not do things that same way you do. Praise him for a job well done and continue to show him how to do things properly.

Your child is interested in playing games with you right now. Play should always be a fun form of learning. When she gets tired of playing, stop. If you turn games into work or contests that she never wins, she will become discouraged and will not want to play anymore. Do not be surprised if your child gets very upset when things do not go the way she wanted them to.

Even though it should not be expected yet, begin to lay the foundation for sharing. Children have a very hard time understanding the concept of sharing and are very good with saying, `Mine, mine!` It is perfectly okay to tell your child what is his, yours, daddy's, doggy's and so forth. However, whenever you can teach about sharing, do so. For example, when you cut a slice of cheese, tell your child that this was your cheese but that you would like to share with her. Then, hand her a piece of your cheese. If you have other children in the house or if your child is frequently exposed to other children, sharing may be an easier to task to learn. Because your child's appetites vary from day to day, it is unfair to expect your child to eat everything on their plate all of the time. Your child knows how hungry he is, let him stop when he is full. It is not wise to bribe your child with food or sweets to get good behavior. Parents and caregivers should never punish their child for eating too little or too much. Doing so may cause him to feel ashamed of his appetite and he may begin to feel guilty about eating all together. If you notice that there is always food left on his plate, you are probably giving him too much. If your child asks for more of a certain food, give it to him. If none is left, simply tell him that it is gone and offer him what is left.

As always, remember to show your growing toddler that she is important to you. Dailly hugs, kisses and words of praise will let her know that she is special. Make your child feel proud when he accomplishes a new skill. You have the power to develop who your child becomes. Many families think that their toddler knows how much they love her. This should not be the case. Always take the time to express and vocalize your love for your child.

Developmental Milestones - 18 Months Old

Physical

• Runs
• Climbs stairs
• May jump
• Creeps backwards downstairs
• Uses one hand more than the other
• Grabs anything he can reach

Intellectual

• Can say about ten words
• Can name some common objects
• Tries to sing and likes to be sung to
• Remembers where things belong
• Can turn pages in a book
• Can build a tower of 3-4 blocks
• May be able to string large colored beads

Emotional

• Likes to show off for attention
• Is afraid of thunder, lightning, animals, etc..
• Has temper tantrums
• Likes to cuddle when tired

Age Appropriate Toys

• Large beads for stringing
• Push toys
• Ride on toys
• Climbing structures
• Balls
• Books
• Musical instruments
• Dolls
• Pretend play items
• Trucks and cars
• Building items
• Bubbles

Comments:

Comments 26-50 of about 9627 for month 18
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jwalden - Friday, 19 Aug
Karen I'm so glad things went well this morning. I've been thinking of you guys and was hoping it would work out. I'll keep you guys in my thoughts and hope that he does not have to continue with the PT for long and that the braces will only have to be worn for a short while. Good luck.

Luv2Bamama - Friday, 19 Aug
Karen—Sorry that E is displaying symptoms, but your doing pretty well with your limitations, so no doubt he will do the same! Yes, 7 weeks does seem a little long to wait for a doctor, but then again, I’ve become use to waiting forever to see specialists, especially when it isn't an 'emergancy'. It took 4 months to get an appt. at a dermatologist where I live. I’m pleased to report our family friend is doing well after her double lung transplant. Her oxygen saturation was at 98-100% a few hours after surgery, which she hasn’t had since birth. What a strong little girl, and brave parents…it just makes me hug my little one a little tighter and thank the Lord for her health!

Luv2Bamama - Thursday, 18 Aug
Karen; What is E going to PT for? So our princess had her 18 month check up earlier this week: 22 lbs 12 oz (between 25-50th%); She was 31 ½ inches long (50%) and small head still (15th). He said she is doing just fine and he would see us in 6 months. He didn’t seem at all concerned about iron, or vitiman levels etc. just keep doing what we are doing, she is great! Lastly, a family friend (14 years old) with Cystic Fibrosis just got the call this morning that they have a new set of lungs for her; she is going into surgery shortly. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers; it is going to be a long road to recovery. Also keep the donor family in your thoughts/prayers; such a selfless deed to give someone else the opportunity for a full life.

lillhill79 - Wednesday, 17 Aug
So I didn't really find out anything at the cardiologist this morning. He did some blood work to check my thyroid and my electrolytes and I have to schedule to wear a 3 day holter monitor to see how often 'episodes' happen. Like I told him, it doesn't bother me, I don't have symptoms, I think it's a waste of time, but at least this way we'll know for sure and can mark it off as just the way I am.

jwalden - Wednesday, 17 Aug
What a nightmare! I would be upset as well. It is possible that this was a slip-up, they do happen. I'd suggest (since they come highly recommended) to give them 1 more try. If you have a repeat experience (at least this time you'll know where they are) and see how it goes. If it happens again or its a bad experience I would try something else.

lillhill79 - Wednesday, 17 Aug
Karen - so sorry - soooo frustrating. I simply don't understand why some medical practices are this unorganized! It simply shouldn't happen. You have schedules and people on the books for a reason. This morning I was supposed to be the first appointment of the day, and they still took me back 45 minutes late only so I could sit in the exam room another 20. Why? I'd hate to have my day start that way, it makes you late for everything the whole day. Anyway, with those only 2 being options, I think I'd give them one more chance. Things happen - once. If it happens again, unexcusable.

jwalden - Tuesday, 16 Aug
Good luck with the appt and I'm sure he appreciated you being honest with him.

lillhill79 - Tuesday, 16 Aug
I did talk to DH last night about everything the doctor said - mostly because he asked me how my appointment went. I've got an appointment tomorrow morning with a cardiologist to be evaluated. Still thinking it's not a huge deal but like DH said, I have to do the responsible thing if not for me then for the girls.

jwalden - Monday, 15 Aug
lill- I understand where you are coming from and why the hesitation. I myself would probably wait until getting a further work up. I've had a few things go on and I usually handle it that way because I also have a Husband that would freak and think the worst. I'll keep my fingers crossed that this is nothing serious. Good luck.

lillhill79 - Monday, 15 Aug
I need some opinions please. I had my annual OBGYN exam this morning and both the nurse and the doctor noticed 'significant pauses' in my heart beat and recommended I follow up with my GP. Since I work here in the hospital I decided to run an EKG on myself before going to my doctor. During the 5 minute test I did have some PVC's (harmless non-conducting beats) as well as some pauses and I've asked a doctor friend to take a look at it as well. My question is, do I tell DH now or wait till I see my doctor and have a formal test run. The reason I'm hesitant is 2 fold. Number 1, I'm a runner - I run 20 miles a week (minimum) and have a slow heartbeat to begin with and these kind of beats can be common in runners, and # 2 - this kind of thing would scare him to death. I really don't want to freak him out if it's nothing. So what do you think? Do I tell him in the spirit of full disclosure in case it really is something since he'd be really pissed if something is wrong and I didn't tell him, or do I wait, see my doctor and then tell him if I need to.

LiamsMummy(babyplum.no.1) - Monday, 15 Aug
I'm so ready for another baby now, everytime I see a newborn I can't help but stare with a huge smile on my face... Gonna start trying soon, but feel a little wierd that liam won't be the baby and will have to share the attention , he is so funny, learning new things everyday, stringing sentences together, recognizing objects, animals, people, noises. Still napping 1-2 hrs a day and sleeps through the night its awesome to have such a well behaved baby, well he has his moments.. LOL.. anybody else feeling broody or TTC..... X

Luv2Bamama - Friday, 12 Aug
Karen; welcome back! I thought about you last night when my little girl climbed up on my lap while we were outside...suddenly I felt my leg get warm. I asked her, 'Colleen, did you just pee on mommy?' to which she replied 'Yeah'. She was wearing her swim diaper which only keeps solids from leaving the diaper area, but is no match for the liquids!

ana23 - Friday, 12 Aug
i went to Wet n wild and i wished my little one was 36 inches, but like you guys she was i think 32 inches and she weighs 24lb...i have not gone to the doctor yet but i was hoping she would gain more weight since her 12 month appointment or more height

lillhill79 - Thursday, 11 Aug
Karen - that's interesting b/c Cort was also 32inches and that put her at exactly 50% so why would E be at 35%? Maybe boy/girl difference? I didn't think they grew at different rates at this age, maybe they do. I think they were wrong about your nephews being at 10% - 25/26lbs is fairly good sized for an 18 month old boy or girl. Heck my 3.5 yo DD is only 29lbs.

jwalden - Wednesday, 10 Aug
Luv2 and Lill- Thanks so much. You two made me smile. We just take it each day and hope for the best. Kids are pretty resilient and I'm sure he'll adjust to his surroundings soon. I appreciate it very much.

Luv2Bamama - Wednesday, 10 Aug
Jwalden—First of all, you are a wonderful mother! Don’t ever doubt your abilities. Just because you are sending Jack to daycare doesn’t make you any less of a parent. Since Jack has been use to being with family and friends watching him in his own environment, he may be having a harder time shutting off and going to sleep. There are many more distractions for him right now. My guess is that he will start adjusting to the change and as he gets more comfortable with his surroundings he will be able to sleep better. At our daycare, napping/resting is a requirement for all the kids under 5. When one little girl started @ 3 years old, her mom said that she “never naps”; within the first month she got use to the idea and now naps 2+ hour a day and she is now 4. As for my little girl; she still takes two naps each day and sleeps anywhere between 2 ½ -4 hours each day and sleeps a solid 12 hours at night. Hang in there; my guess is that Jack is just adjusting to the changes and will be back to normal in a few weeks. As for head shoulders knees and toes (or whatever the illness is called, ha ha), hopefully Jack stays healthy!

lillhill79 - Wednesday, 10 Aug
And for the hand foot mouth - Cort had it last week - both blisters on her feet and in her mouth, but she healed very quickly. It's not fun, but it's just like a cold virus, it just has to run it's course. Welcome to the world of daycare illness - it's always something going around.

lillhill79 - Wednesday, 10 Aug
jwalden - try not to worry, he will get more and more used to the schedule at daycare and will be well adjusted in the next couple of weeks. Both of my girls are in a center (granted it's here at my work) but the day they turn 1 year old they're switched to 1 nap per day lasting no more than 2 hours. It was hard the first few weeks but is perfect now. Both girls have the same nap schedule (the entire center is 'quiet' from 12:30-2:30 including no phone calls or visits during this time) which is really nice for me on the weekends. Every kid is different, but I am a little surprised that he still requires 15-18 hours of sleep per day, pretty sure 12-15 is more normal for this age - but trust your instincts - if he's a happy kid on that much sleep, don't fight it.

jwalden - Tuesday, 9 Aug
So I'm having a hard time with the daycare thing and wanted to see if you ladies had any guidance, opinions, reassurance, etc. Jack started at a center last week. (He has been watched by family and friends to this point but I was in need of finding other care.) They are fairly large (licensed for 145) and clean and organized, etc. The ladies all knew his name right away and say hi and by, etc. He cries when I leave him (but I know that is a phase). I believe that he is a little more advanced then the infant room they have him in but it is what it is. I'm running into an issue with his napping. He is used to 3-5 hrs a day. He thrives on it. He has now been getting about 1-1 1/2 hr a day (split between 2 naps). By the time I pick him up he is exhausted.I would hate to push him into the bigger kid room, where I think he would be happier, when they get even less sleep. He cries almost the entire time from when we pick him up till he goes to bed and we can't even keep him up to barely get any dinner in him. A friend suggested that he shouldn't be still needing to sleeping that much during the day. At night he goes to bed about 7:30 and wakes between 6-6:30. Is he still requiring too much sleep? How long are your kids sleeping? He also got a pretty bad cold his first week and there is wide spread hand, foot, mouth at the center- but thankfully no signs. Yet. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we do not have to deal with that. I know that illnesses will happen. I was a daycare child as well- but I was having a difficult time with all of this yesterday and really doubting myself as a parent and putting him in a center, etc. I know this is somewhat of a ramble but I figured someone out there might have some input for me. I appreciate anything you can give me.

jwalden - Tuesday, 9 Aug
luv2-So funny about your husband. That cracked me up. Jack is still dealing with his nasty cold and sounds like darth vader now. So sad. I went to pick him up yesterday and there is a big sign that they have hand,foot,mouth going through the center. Yuck. Keeping my fingers crossed that he doesn't catch it.

Luv2Bamama - Tuesday, 9 Aug
Ah yes, the daycare illness. We are so lucky that Colleen has weathered that storm well. She has only had 1 non-tooth related fever where she had to stay home, and that was about a month ago (stomach flu). Maybe because it is a small at home daycare, or I passed on plenty of antibodies through my BM & and our donor BM for the first 14 months; or maybe because my husband is healthy as an ox. Whatever the reason, I’m going to count our blessings! She does, however, get a cold about every 6 weeks, but I’m ok with a little snot especially since it doesn’t slow her down. On a different note, my husband (who only wanted 1 kid) keeps bringing up how he wants to try for another one! Either he is feeling sex-starved and thinks trying for another one will increase our bedroom activities, or he is enjoying parenthood as much as I am!. Either way, I’m glad he is open to the possibility to more kids!

LiamsMummy(babyplum.no.1) - Sunday, 7 Aug
Hey everyone, its been a very long time since i last updated in here, well anyway, I've uploaded a few up to date pics of liam, can't Belive he's 18 months. Crazy. A few things have changed on my profile to but am still in the process of finishing it. X

jwalden - Friday, 5 Aug
Oh my goodness about everyone's little ones and daycare illnesses. Jack just started at f/t daycare on Mon and he already has a pretty good cold. He's been watched by family and friends since 4 wks and has been around a lot of little ones but I guess daycare does bring its own set of germs. Hopefully this will toughen up his little system. I myself am doing better, I thought. Still being watched from the m/c but things are looking good. Then got diagnosed with Shingles yesterday and woke up with a sty on my eye. Guess its time to boost Mom's immune system too and start taking some vitamins. HAHA If its not one thing its another. On a side note- Jack started about a couple weeks ago being very attached to a blanket and wanting his pacifier all the time while at home (up until now he would use it briefly while going to sleep but didn't need it.) Has anyone elses little ones gone through this recently?

lillhill79 - Friday, 5 Aug
Cort had her 18 month check up yesterday. She's 32' (50%)and 23lb2oz (35%) She got 2 shots which the doctor said will be her last until kindergarten (yeah!) and she said that both speech and developmentally she's more advanced than a normal 2 year old - gotta love having an older sibling! Her poor feet are still pretty rough - some of the blisters are starting to pop and she has NO skin on 2 of her toes. Now lets just pray she doesn't get an infection. Over all very good check up.

nickykennedy - Thursday, 4 Aug
LilHill79 I feel your pain!Nicolas has been going to ER and his ped. @ least 2 times monthly for daycare related illness. I am sick of it! he went through the same thing after his MMRV vaccine, then last Friday he came home drooling like a faucet then woke up Saturday with a fever, ER staff said it was thrush, gave him anti fungal meds, Iv after 4 adults held him down kicking and screaming, (he weighs 35 pounds).. we took him to his ped. for a re-check on Monday and she diagnosed herpagina which is the same virus that causes hand foot and mouth. He had so much pain, no eating, she said it had to go away on its own because he is too young to use the mouth wash used in cases like his. By Tuesday she had to call in pain meds with codeine as none of us getting any sleep. Well by today he is so much better, bless his heart. Day care and its' horrors. I cant wait for him to be very verbal so he cant express exactly what is going on around him and with him.

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