Each child is unique. While some behavior and growth milestones tend to happen at certain ages, a wide range for each age is normal. It is okay if your child reaches some milestones earlier and others later than the average. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, check with your healthcare provider. Here’s what you might see your child doing between the ages of 15 and 18 months.

Emotional

• Loves to play in the water.
• Enjoys throwing, rolling, pushing, pulling toys.

Social

• Knows words for things other than parents.
• Adds gestures to speech.
• Prefers adults to other children.
• Likes to watch and imitate activities.

Mental

• Avidly explores everything.
• Looks to parent for help in solving problems.
• Learns that doing something causes a result, such as pushing buttons on a toy to make a sound.
• Looks for hidden objects in last place seen.
• Starts to experiment through trial and error.

Physical

• Likes to feed self.
• Starts to use more objects correctly (for example, may put comb in hair).
• Stands unsupported.
• Walks without help with wide stance and outstretched arms.
• Climbs stairs with help.
• Refines grasp.
• Picks up objects from a standing position.