Milestone chart: 13 to 18 months

This gives you an idea of what to expect from your toddler at each stage from 13 to 18 months. Bear in mind that all children develop differently. If you have any concerns about your toddler's development, ask your health visitor for advice.

13 months

Mastered skills (most children can do)

• Uses two words skillfully (e.g. "hello" and "bye")
• Bends over and picks up an object
• Stands alone for a few seconds

Emerging skills (half of children can do)

• Enjoys gazing at his reflection
• Drinks from a cup
• Plays "peekaboo"

Advanced skills (a few children can do)

• Combines words and gestures to make needs known
• Tries to lift heavy things
• Rolls a ball back and forth

Find out more about your child at 13 months.

14 months

Mastered skills (most children can do)

• Understands a few new words each week
• Empties containers of contents
• Follows simple instructions, such as "please give me the ball"

Emerging skills (half of children can do)

• Toddles well
• Initiates games
• Points to one body part when asked

Advanced skills (a few children can do)

• Uses spoon or fork
• Matches lids with appropriate containers (e.g. pots and pans)
• Pushes and pulls toys while walking

Find out more about your child at 14 months.

15 months

Mastered skills (most children can do)

• Plays with ball
• Vocabulary increases up to five words
• Is able to walk backwards

Emerging skills (half of children can do)

• Can draw a line
• Runs well
• Adopts "no" as his favourite word

Advanced skills (a few children can do)

• Walks up stairs
• "Helps" around the house
• Puts his fingers to his mouth and says "shhh"

Find out more about your child at 15 months.

16 months

Mastered skills (most children can do)

• Turns the pages of a book
• Has temper tantrums when frustrated
• Becomes attached to a soft toy or other object

Emerging skills (half of children can do)

• Discovers joy of climbing
• Stacks three bricks
• Learns the correct way to use common objects (e.g. a phone)

Advanced skills (a few children can do)

• Takes off one piece of clothing by himself
• Gets fussy about food
• Switches from two daytime sleeps to one

Find out more about your child at 16 months.

17 months

Mastered skills (most children can do)

• Uses a handful of words regularly
• Enjoys pretend games
• Likes riding toys

Emerging skills (half of children can do)

• Responds to directions (e.g. "Sit down")
• Feeds doll
• Talks more clearly

Advanced skills (a few children can do)

• Dances to music
• Sorts toys by colour, shape, or size
• Kicks ball forward

Find out more about your child at 17 months.

18 months

Mastered skills (most children can do)

• Will look at picture books on his own
• Can pedal when put on trike
• Scribbles with either hand or both hands

Emerging skills (half of children can do)

• Strings words together in phrases
• Brushes teeth with help
• Builds a tower of four cubes

Advanced skills (a few children can do)

• Throws ball overhand
• Takes toys apart and puts them back together
• Shows signs of toilet training readiness

Find out more about your child at 18 months.

Discover what your baby may be able to do from 19 to 24 months.

Go back to seven to 12 months.