Between 13 and 18 months, your toddler has places to go, words to try out, and increasingly strong opinions about how things should happen.
Every toddler grows and changes in their own way, and new skills may show up at different times over these months. If you are concerned about development or your toddler loses a skill, speak with your toddler's healthcare professional. For toddlers born early, ask how corrected age applies.
Your toddler is walking, climbing, and getting into everything. Keep their space ready for active exploration, stay close during play, secure furniture, and keep small objects out of reach.
Walking, Climbing & Moving
Between 13 and 18 months, many toddlers become steadier on their feet. They may walk independently, climb, navigate stairs with your hand, and enjoy pushing or pulling objects as they move around.
How you can help
Give your toddler safe, open space to practice walking, climbing, and pushing or pulling. Stay close during climbing and stairs, and let them set their own pace. Take breaks when they need them.
Picking Up, Scribbling & Using Hands
Around this age, toddlers become more precise with their hands. They may pick up small items, feed themselves with their fingers, turn pages, scribble with a crayon, and begin trying to use a spoon. They also start coordinating both hands together, such as holding a bowl while scooping.
How you can help
Offer safe finger foods, sturdy board books, crayons and paper, and a child-safe spoon for everyday practice. Let your toddler try at their own pace, even when things get messy. Stay close when they are handling small objects, and keep choking hazards out of reach.
Exploring, Solving & Pretending
At this age, toddlers love figuring out how things work. They may put objects into containers and take them back out, explore how things move or work, and begin to understand what everyday objects are for. They may also imitate simple actions they see you do and start engaging in simple pretend play, like feeding a stuffed animal or stirring a pot.
How you can help
Offer simple containers, boxes, or stacking toys for filling, emptying, and exploring. Give your toddler time to work through small challenges on their own before stepping in. During daily routines, talk about what everyday objects are for and follow your toddler's lead during pretend play.
Pointing, Talking & Understanding
Communication grows quickly during this stage. Toddlers may point to ask for something or share an interest, follow simple one-step instructions, and understand familiar words before they can say many themselves. They may also combine sounds, gestures, and words to communicate.
How you can help
Respond to your toddler's pointing by naming what they see. Give simple, one-step instructions during everyday routines and pause to let them respond. Keep talking throughout the day, describing what you're doing and what your toddler is seeing. Celebrate every attempt to communicate, whether it's a word, gesture, or sound.
Connecting, Imitating & Growing Independent
As toddlers' social worlds expand, familiar caregivers remain an important source of comfort. They may imitate everyday actions, bring objects over to show you, and want to help with simple routines like getting dressed or tidying up. They may also express their preferences more clearly while exploring independently and checking back to make sure you're nearby.
How you can help
Let your toddler help with simple routines and respond when they bring something to show you. Give them room to explore in safe spaces while staying close enough for them to check back with you. Let them express their preferences as they practice becoming more independent.
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