By 18 months I can:

Look at pictures in a book, follow short instructions, point to three body parts when asked, say five of more words (may not be clear), pick up and eat finger foods, walk alone, push or pull toys of other objects while standing, stack 3 or more blocks, scribble with crayons and show affection.

By 24 months I can:

run, jump, crawl, tumble, I can walk up and down stairs, I can jump forward and off steps and curbs, hold a cup and drink from it, feed myself with a spoon, scribble while holding a crayon or pencil in my fist, turn pages in my books, can say two word sentences, take off my own shoes, will try to dress myself, kick a large ball, throw a small ball, can point to and name my body parts (eyes, ears, nose etc.). My vocabulary includes approximately 50 words, and sharing is difficult for me.

Health

All my senses of hearing, smell, taste and touch develop and coordinate with each other, I will use them all to explore my environment. I will need my first MMR immunization at 12 months and a booster of both MMR and DPT at 18months. I will not have the physical ability to control the anal and urtheral sphincters until somewhere between 18-24months. My anterior fontanel will be closed by 18 months. It is good for my teeth and gums to be brushed regularly, please help me with this, I may not grow as fast as I usually have and this is normal.

Activities

I like to play dress up, I like to play with playdough, I like to play hide and seek and I like to take things apart and put them back together. I can do a 2-4 piece puzzle, scribble on paper with supervision, use a push toy or small cart to keep my balance when learning to walk, provide opportunities for me to climb with your supervision. Give me objects to carry while I'm walking, it helps with my balance. Large balls are nice for rolling or chasing, small ones for throwing and tossing. Let me practice going up and down the stairs on all fours with your help, helps create balance. Please ensure the gate is back up when we are down.

Nutrition

I should be eating 3 meals and 2 snacks each day. My portions vary every day. I can drink whole milk from my bottle or bup about 16ounces a day. I might start weaning myself from the breast to the bottle or cup. Good habits start young please include plenty of fruits and vegetables in my diet. Give me a bottle or cup with meals and don't allow me to drink all day long, this will fill me up. I am beginning to master my eating skills. I can now eat the same foods as you, I like to explore new tastes, let me have small portions to try new things. My appetite can change daily, give my small portions, I will ask is I am still hungry. I like to eat finger foods like crackers and cheese.

Development

I will squat down when I am picking up things, I like to play by myself and not with other children. Encourage me to talk about my feelings and tell me everyting you are doing with me, this will help me learn new words and meanings. Let me dress myself and I will ask WHY about everything, be patient this is how I will learn. I can point to a desired object, can use three-word combinations. I am beginning to develop emotions and can show affection to both people and toys with hugs and kisses. I can use the word NO, can push or pull objects and climb into a chair. I can watch a rolling ball up to 10 feet away and I can scribble with a crayon. I will revert back to crawling with in a hurry.

Safety

I should be in a toddler car seat, it should be front facting and attached to a bolt in the frame of the car. Never let me play with plastic bags, deflated balloons or small objects, I may choke. Ensure all electrical sockets are covered and never leave me alone in the car. Have emergency phone numbers handy and store syrup of ipecac in the medicine cabinet in case poison control tells you to give it to me. I can now open doors, please watch me. Secure all cupboards and stoves, I like to explore. Put safety plugs in all unused electrical outlets and use corner guards on sharp edges. Keep windows locked and only open one to two inches. Teach me about the cars on the roads and how they are dangerous. If I am sick do not call my medicine my candy, I may poison myself if I find more.

Together

Let me decide on things to play with, like catching balls or puzzles and I will play with you. I can be very stubborn because I am learning how to do so many things, and I want to do them on my own. I like to help mommy and daddy go shopping.I like to help you with everything, give me an easy job to do and reward my with a hug. I like to go for walks in my stoller, remember my seatbelt. I like it when we sing together, teach me to sing itsy-bitsy spider or I'm a little tea pot. I like it when we read together, I like to run, play and jump. Come play with me at the playground.