When your toddler reaches the 18th month

What your child learns

You can build the vocabulary of your child at an even further stage when it reaches 16 to 18th month. Many children can already pronounce simple words like “mama” and “papa” together with three to four more words. Babbling and listening helps your toddler expand his vocabulary, to understand the activities and objects or how names differ for different people. Your toddler can soon make their first word combinations soon. However, it has not mastered all the different sounds yet, so you will have to listen carefully to understand what it means.

What your toddler needs

Activities are now training the motor skills to help promote its development. You should have an increased focus on your child as the increased mobility in its movements can increase the risk of accidents. However, you will not be able to prevent it from hitting his head every now and then. However, do note that the hot hotplates and sharp objects are a serious danger to your child. 

Our AptaAdvantage Tip

You can try to potty train your child now if your child shows interest. It can be a simple bringing the doll or teddy to the washroom situation or accompanying another family member when they go to the washroom. High expectations will not be appropriate here; potty training works best with no pressure. The children will usually learn on potty training when they reach the kindergarten at a quicker pace, so do not worry if your child has not learnt before reaching the kindergarten.