🍼 Age-based baby guide

Around 16–18 months, many toddlers are busy little explorers: they may speed up from wobbly steps to confident walking and climbing, copy household jobs like sweeping, use simple words and big gestures to share what they want, and show strong feelings as their independence and curiosity grow.

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Walking often becomes faster and more confident now, with many toddlers trying to run, climb onto low furniture, and carry toys or laundry around like a tiny helper.
Language often grows from babble to a small collection of clear words, with plenty of pointing, nodding, and shaking their head so they can join simple conversations with you.
Play can look more thoughtful, with toddlers pushing cars along the floor, pretending to feed a doll, talking on a toy phone, or copying everyday jobs like wiping the table.
Big feelings are common at this age, so you may see more clinginess, frustration, or early tantrums as your toddler wants to do things alone but cannot yet explain everything they feel.
You might often be handed all sorts of little “treasures” from the floor or toy box, because sharing discoveries is one of the ways toddlers at this stage connect with you.
Many parents find life becomes busier and more physical, so making the home safe for climbing, moving breakables higher, and planning a few calm moments together each day can make things feel easier.

Feeding

Guide

Many toddlers between 16 and 18 months eat most of the same foods as the family, cut into safe, manageable pieces, along with milk feeds that fit with your family’s plan and any advice from your health team.
Appetite often comes in waves at this age, so your toddler may eat very little at one meal and a lot at another, and it can be more reassuring to think about how they eat over a day or two rather than focusing on a single snack or meal.
Parents are often encouraged to offer a simple routine of meals and snacks, with water offered regularly and plenty of chances for toddlers to explore food with their fingers, a spoon, and an open cup, even if it gets messy.

Sleep

Guide

Many toddlers around 16–18 months still need a lot of sleep over 24 hours, often with one daytime nap and night-time sleep that can still be a little broken while they practise new skills and manage big feelings.
A calm, predictable bedtime routine, such as a short bath, pyjamas, a story, and a cuddle, can help toddlers move from busy playtime to sleep and give them clear cues that night is coming.
Some toddlers protest more at bedtime or wake to check you are still nearby, and gentle, consistent responses, like the same short phrases and comfort each time, can help them feel secure.

Pee and Pooping

Guide

Most toddlers at this stage have several wet nappies or pull-ups during the day, and this, along with regular drinking and general alertness, can be a broad sign that they are getting enough fluid.
Poos can vary from several times a day to once every few days, and the texture often changes with different foods; soft, easy-to-pass stools are usually more comfortable than very hard pellets.
Some families notice early signs of toileting interest now, such as hiding to poo, watching you in the bathroom, or telling you after they have gone, but many children are not ready to start toilet training until later on.

Learning

Guide

Short bursts of play through the day, such as 5–10 minutes of looking at picture books, stacking blocks, or rolling a ball back and forth a few times, tend to suit a toddler’s busy attention span at this age.
Singing a few favourite songs each day, doing simple action rhymes, and naming everyday objects, colours, and shapes as you dress, cook, or tidy helps your toddler link words with what they see and do.
A little active floor play, such as crawling through a cushion “tunnel”, pushing a toy along a simple path, or copying animal walks for a few minutes at a time, can build strength and coordination while feeling like a fun game for you both.

Sources

This content is general information only and is not medical advice. If you are worried about your baby, contact your midwife, health visitor, paediatrician, or local emergency service.