Baby development
Toddler development at 12–18 months
Most children walk by 15–18 months and quickly start climbing everything. The toddler copies what you do — sweeping, talking on the phone, stirring a pot — and learns through that copying.
Words appear one by one: “mama”, “give”, “no”, the name of the cat. Understanding runs far ahead of speech: the child follows simple requests and shows body parts when asked.
Play
Pots and wooden spoons, a ball, simple puzzles and shape sorters, crayons, walks where you name everything along the way.
Feelings
Tantrums start here. The child has big feelings and few words. Staying calm and naming the feeling (“you are angry that we left the park”) helps more than arguing.
Sleep
Many children move to one daytime nap between 12 and 18 months.
Talk to a doctor if
by 18 months the child does not walk, has no words, does not point to show you things, or does not notice when you come and go.
This is general information about typical development, not medical advice. Every child develops at their own pace. If something worries you, talk to your paediatrician.
Month by month in the Oror guide
In the app, the right card opens by itself every week, and you can tick what you have tried.
- Month 12
From baby to toddler
After the first birthday your child moves more and wants to try everything. It’s the age of curiosity.
Try this
- Let them walk pushing a toy cart or a chair
- Tidy toys into a box together
You may notice
- Takes a few steps, or walks holding on
- Hands you toys
Good to know
- Simple rules and lots of praise for good behaviour
Talk to a doctor if
- Doesn’t stand or walk holding on
- Month 13
First steps alone
Many children take their first steps in these months. Feet wide, arms up for balance.
Try this
- Call them from a few steps away
- Walk outdoors on grass or sand
You may notice
- Takes a few steps alone
- Bends down to pick up a toy
Good to know
- Falling is normal: stay calm and cheer them on
Talk to a doctor if
- Not walking by 18 months
- Month 14
More words
Many children say a few words besides “mama” and “dada” — and understand far more.
Try this
- Read the same book many times
- Ask about pictures: “Where’s the dog?”
You may notice
- Tries to say one or two new words
- Points to a picture in a book when you name it
Good to know
- If your family speaks two languages, use both — it doesn’t hold them back
Talk to a doctor if
- Says no words at all
- Month 15
Fifteen months
At this age many children walk, point to what they want and copy your words. Doctor’s visit as scheduled.
Try this
- Stack two blocks together
- Ask them to bring a familiar thing
You may notice
- Points to ask for something
- Stacks two small blocks
Good to know
- Many move down to one nap a day
Talk to a doctor if
- Doesn’t point
- Loses words they used to say
- Month 16
Big feelings
Your child has lots of feelings but not yet the words. Tantrums are normal at this age.
Try this
- Name the feeling: “You’re angry”
- Hold them and wait until they calm down
You may notice
- Shows affection — hugs and kisses
- Runs to you when scared
Good to know
- Stay calm — your calm helps them calm down
Talk to a doctor if
- Very long tantrums every day, or hurts themselves
- Month 17
Using a spoon
Your child is learning to eat with a spoon. There’ll be spills, but it’s an important skill.
Try this
- Give a short, chunky spoon
- Eat together at one table
You may notice
- Tries to eat with a spoon
- Drinks from a cup, with spills
Good to know
- Let them decide how much to eat — don’t force
Talk to a doctor if
- Shows no interest in feeding themselves