What most children are doing around 18 months
These are milestones most children — 75 percent or more — can do by this age, from the CDC’s 2022 “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklists, with Canadian guidance from the Canadian Paediatric Society. Think of it as a picture of typical, not a finish line. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
This isn’t a quiz, and there’s nothing to score. You can’t fail it and neither can your child. It’s a way to enjoy noticing what’s emerging — and to know what tends to come next.
Social and emotional
- moves away from you but looks to make sure you are close by
- points to show you something interesting
- puts their hands out for you to wash them
- looks at a few pages in a book with you
- helps you dress them by pushing an arm through a sleeve or lifting a foot
Language and communication
- tries to say three or more words besides "mama" or "dada"
- follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you a toy when you say "give it to me"
Cognitive — learning and problem-solving
- copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom
- plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car
Movement and physical
- walks without holding on to anyone or anything
- scribbles
- drinks from a cup without a lid, and may spill sometimes
- feeds themselves with their fingers
- tries to use a spoon
- climbs on and off a couch or chair without help
Every child is different
All children develop skills at different times — the Canadian Paediatric Society notes it’s normal for a child to be ahead in some areas and still emerging in others at the same time. A child who took their first steps “late” and one who took them “early” usually both end up running around the playground. If your child was born early, look at their corrected age: their actual age minus the weeks they arrived early.
Canadian Paediatric Society — child developmentWhen it’s worth a chat with your provider
You know your child best — that’s the CDC’s own starting point. It’s worth mentioning to your child’s doctor or nurse practitioner if: your child isn’t meeting one or more of the milestones on their age’s list; your child has lost skills they once had (this one matters at any age); or something just feels off to you — a parent’s concern is reason enough.
None of these mean something is wrong. They mean a conversation is useful, because if support is ever needed, earlier is easier. What to ask for: a developmental screening (routinely recommended around 9, 18, and 30 months, with autism screening at 18 and 24 months); if concerns remain, a referral to a specialist; and in Canada, your provincial or territorial early-intervention or child-development program — you don’t need to wait for a diagnosis to ask.
CDC — Concerned About Your Child's Development?