18 to 24 Month Milestones
The language explosion, running and jumping, big feelings, and the critical 18-month developmental screen in Singapore.
Development at 18–24 Months
🦵 Gross Motor
- Runs (stiffly at 18m, smoothly by 24m)
- Kicks a ball without losing balance by 24 months
- Jumps with both feet off the ground by 24 months
- Climbs stairs with support (one foot at a time)
- Throws a ball overhand (not accurately - That comes later)
✋ Fine Motor
- Stacks 5–6 blocks (vs 2–3 at 12m)
- Uses spoon and fork with increasing accuracy
- Turns single pages of a picture book
- Scribbles with a pencil - May begin vertical or horizontal lines
- Undresses self - Takes off shoes, socks, pants (gets dressed with help)
💬 Language
- 20+ words by 18 months; 50+ words by 24 months
- 2-word phrases by 24 months: 'more milk', 'daddy go', 'baby sleep'
- Points to pictures in a book when named
- Uses pronouns 'me', 'mine' by 24 months
- Refers to self by name
🧠 Social / Cognitive
- Sorts shapes and basic colours
- Parallel play - Plays near (not yet with) other children
- Strong opinions and tantrums - Healthy autonomy development
- Begins pretend play sequences: 'feeding the baby', 'going to sleep'
- Points to several body parts on request
The Language Explosion
Between 18 and 24 months, most children go from a small vocabulary to adding 5–10 new words per week. This acceleration happens when receptive language (understanding) reaches a critical mass and the brain begins mapping words rapidly to concepts.
The 18-Month Developmental Screen - Singapore
The 18-month polyclinic visit is one of the most important in Singapore's Child Health Programme. It includes a formal autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening using the M-CHAT-R/F (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers).
Early identification of ASD or developmental delay means earlier access to intervention - Which significantly improves outcomes. Do not skip this visit.
What the 18-month screen looks for
Social communication
- Makes eye contact
- Points to share interest (not just to request)
- Responds to name
- Waves goodbye
- Shows you things
Play
- Pretend play
- Interest in other children
- Imitates adult actions
- Explores a variety of toys
A positive screen does not mean a diagnosis - It means further assessment is needed. Early referral to KKH Development & Behavioural Paediatrics or EIPIC leads to better outcomes.
Continue through the Milestones: