A Child 15-18 Months

Growth and Development
By now, the rapid growth of the first year of life has slowed considerably and appetite has noticeably decreased.

One of the characteristics of this age is increasing independence and this will be very evident at meal times.

Children of this age enjoy drinking from a cup on their own. However, they tend to tilt the cup too quickly and spilling often occurs. They may demand to spoon-feed themselves, but often accept help towards the end of the meal.

Throwing objects is a favourite pastime at this age and these children will fling anything. They are just developing this complicated manoeuvre which, like any other important skill, they must have the opportunity to practise. Because they now have the ability to release an object voluntarily, they can place one block neatly on top of another. They love moving things in and out of containers - but seem to enjoy the dumping part the best.

They can, when they want to, assist with dressing by putting their arms and legs into their clothes - but ‘want’ is the operative word. It is more likely that they will need to be held bodily and worked into them. They are beginning to think they don’t always have to do as they’re told. This is quite important and exciting because it gives them the feeling that they can make choices for themselves.

Speech too is developing rapidly. They jabber loudly and constantly as they imitate conversational tones and phrases. They will probably say two to 20 recognisable words in proper context but can understand many more. They can also obey simple requests if they feel inclined. As speech is one of the most important developments in this second year of life, listening and talking with them is essential.

As a Social Being
Now they can walk, there is such a lot to see and do that they are almost totally absorbed in their own activities.

The parent’s ‘NO’ now falls on deaf ears as the child concentrates on the job at hand. However, concentration span is short at this age, and children pass rapidly from one occupation to the next which is just as absorbing. Suddenly, they are trying to do so much, so quickly and so constantly, that there isn’t a moment to spare.

Providing the initial approach is left to them, they will greet friends or strangers - human or animal - in the same joyous way. Their natural curiosity drives them energetically into every new situation.

Every day they discover something different about themselves and their world. They want to try things on their own and can be boldly demanding.

It may take them time, but children learn by doing. So it’s important to encourage and praise their efforts. Also do a quick ‘survival check’ to see you are one step ahead of their rapid development and have removed safety hazards around the house.

They love and need to be near people. (They are not really old enough to play with other children their own age although they may happily play beside them.) These children love to imitate. They will learn much from watching you and copying what you do.

Learning Through Play
One of the most important, yet least understood, roles that parents ever undertake is that of fostering the intellectual and social development of their children - parents are their children’s first and most important teachers.

This can be both a difficult and rewarding period for parents as toddlers energetically explore their surroundings.

Safety is essential but care must be taken not to prevent learning. This can be done by providing a safe and stimulating environment for them to play in, where they:

• Can feel secure and confident
• Are safe from hazards, but free to explore
• Have new experiences provided so that they can be actively involved
• Are given praise and encouragement for their efforts
• Have play things to match their stage of development
• Are able to spend time with parents.

Everything is of interest and they learn something from everything. Because they are attracted to the world outside, they enjoy watching movements through a window, and shout to anyone going by. Playing provides challenge for the body, mind and imagination.

They can relax; they can be boisterous; they can be serious; they can have glorious fun, all in a matter of minutes.

Some Play Ideas
Sand play
A sandpit should be situated where parent and child can see other, and be at least 50 cm deep if it is to be useful for a few years. If it is surrounded by a wooden frame (railway sleepers are excellent but make sure they are carefully sandpapered to get rid of splinters) it provides seating and a table for sand cakes. White sand - such as beach sand - is preferable, as yellow tends to become very hard. Although it is illegal to remove sand from a beach, this does not apply to sand blown on car parks and pavements. Different sized tins, an old sieve, old plastic jugs and wooden spoons are all useful sand play tools. Make sure the sandpit is covered at night to keep out cats and dogs.

Walks
Walks, rather than drives, can be a great experience. They provide opportunities to feel grass or sand or puddles; follow a path; climb over logs; and see water, birds, animals and insects.

Books
One clear familiar object on each page is still preferable at this age, but your child may be showing an interest in more detailed pictures or simple stories about everyday activities. Sharing a book with someone is what these children enjoy most.

Toys for sorting and placing
Shoe boxes can hold many treasures. They may be covered in plastic contact or painted in bright colours. Fill them with shells, gumnuts, cotton reels, tin lids (not sharp), square building blocks, pegs and different stones. All of these must be too big to be swallowed.

Toys to handle and fit together

• Nests of tins painted in different colours (make sure there are no sharp edges)
• Hammer toys
• Saucepans and lids and other kitchen utensils
• Plastic containers in the bath.

Toys to push and pull

• Large balls
• Box on wheels
• Strong cardboard boxes (big enough to get into).

Toys to cuddle and hug

• Stuffed animals
• Rag dolls.

Nothing other than supervision can prevent accidents. Know where your child is at all times.

Safety
Tots this age are intensely active and need a very high level of protection. Though the house has apparently been made safe, they always seem to be able to find a new trouble spot.

They can climb now, so a few extra barrel bolts high on doors and gates may be well worthwhile. Storage arrangements for medicines, detergents, cleaning products and other poisons need to take account of their climbing skills. Or you can have a cupboard with childproof locks installed.

Balancing is still a problem and toddlers can have many falls. Most of these are not important, and won’t even hurt enough to discourage them from trying again a few minutes later.

Swimming pools are a special hazard wherever located. It cannot be emphasised too strongly that any pool - anywhere - needs to be regarded as a constant danger both to your own and other people’s young children. The safest pool is one completely separated by fencing from house and play areas. But remember, there is no substitution for constant supervision and protection.

This is sometimes described as the age of dart and fling and, although these children will resent any type of restraint, a leading rein is still a good idea when walking in any area where road traffic could be hazardous, or in the local supermarket. A restraint clipped to either side of the shopping trolley will prevent a youngster on the toddler seat from standing and falling. This leaves the parent’s mind and hands free for shopping.

Cigarettes spell a special danger to inquisitive toddlers. Cigarette butts and ashtrays can cause burns and even fires, and it should also be remembered that cigarettes are poisonous - medical advice should be sought immediately if a child eats a cigarette. All young children need protecting from passive smoking. Apart from the danger of burns from a lighted cigarette in a smoker’s hand, a child exposed to cigarette smoke can develop sensitive airways leading to asthma, bronchitis and chest infections.

Toddlers still need full adult supervision to stay safe because:

• Their reflexes are slow
• Their body movement coordination is still developing
• They have not acquired likes and dislikes of taste and smell
• They are unable to lift their body weight up and out of danger
• They have short-term memory only
• They cannot predict events
• They have no understanding of the dangers of high places or deep holes, and are still learning to judge distances.

Children must be protected when too young to understand these dangers, and taught safety practices as soon as they are able to understand.

• It is important that you continue with the childhood vaccination schedule to protect your child against serious diseases. Vaccination due at 18 months are:
  • fourth DTP (for protection against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough)
  • fourth Hib (for protection against Hib meningitis, epiglottitis).

Ask your doctor or child health nurse for more information.