Language and Feeding Milestones for 15-18 Month Olds
The 15-18 month period is a key developmental stage as toddlers refine their communication, social, cognitive, and physical skills. At this age, children begin using words to label and request, marking an important milestone in language development. This blog explores the key language and feeding milestones for 15-18 month olds. It also offers practical tips to support their growth.
Speech Milestones (15-18 Months)
At 15-18 months, toddlers are increasingly interested in communicating with others. Though their expressive vocabulary is still small, their language skills are expanding rapidly. They are sponges! Here’s what you can expect:
1. Vocabulary Expansion
- How many words? At this stage, toddlers typically have a vocabulary of 3-20 words. Common early words may include simple nouns (e.g., “mama,” “dada,” “ball”), favorite foods, or familiar objects. Some children may say their first words a little later, and that’s perfectly normal.
- Word Combinations: Around 18 months, some children begin to combine two words. For example, they might say “more juice” or “big truck.” These two-word combinations are an early form of “telegraphic speech,” where only the essential words are used to convey a meaning.
- Unexpected Words and Signs: Toddlers at this stage may surprise you by using words or signs you didn’t intentionally teach them. As they absorb language from their surroundings, they’re constantly learning through observation and interaction.
2. Understanding Words and Commands
- Following Simple Instructions: Children at this age can typically understand and follow simple commands like “Come here” or “Give me the toy.” While they may not be able to speak in sentences, they are starting to recognize key words and associate them with actions.
- Pointing and Gesturing: Nonverbal communication remains strong at this stage. Pointing to objects or people, using gestures, or looking to you for help are all ways children express themselves before they can express their thoughts fully.
3. Imitation of Sounds
- Sound Play: Toddlers often imitate sounds and simple words they hear in their environment. At this stage, they may imitate animal sounds (“moo,” “woof”) or environmental sounds (e.g., car noises, doorbells). Encourage sound play and imitation by repeating sounds they make and introducing new ones.
4. Social Interaction
- Social Reciprocity: Children at 15-18 months are starting to engage in more back-and-forth interactions with caregivers. They may initiate simple conversations by babbling or using a word or two, and they often wait for your response before continuing. This is also known as verbal turn taking and is a precursor to conversational skills.
- Joint Attention: Joint attention, or the shared focus on an object or activity, continues to develop during this period. Children may point to an object they want you to look at, or they may show interest in what you’re doing. This is a great opportunity to talk about the objects the toddler is interested in.
Feeding Milestones (15-18 Months)
As toddlers grow and develop new motor skills, their feeding abilities continue to evolve. The 15-18 month period is a time for expanding food preferences and improving fine motor skills.
1. Self-Feeding Skills
- Using a Spoon: By 15-18 months, many children are starting to use a spoon or fork to feed themselves. At first, it may be a bit messy, but with practice, they will begin to improve their coordination. Encourage self-feeding with soft foods like yogurt or applesauce, and offer a variety of foods to explore.
- Drinking from a Cup: At this stage, toddlers should be working on drinking from an open cup. Sippy cups with straws or spouts may still be helpful for some, but many children begin transitioning to open cups. You may notice spills, but it’s important to be patient and allow them to practice.
2. Texture Tolerance
- Exploring New Textures: Toddlers at this age are typically ready for textured foods. Soft, chopped fruits, vegetables, and small pieces of meat or cheese are excellent choices. Offering a variety of textures will help your child become more comfortable with different foods and expand their palate.
- Chewing Skills: At 15-18 months, toddlers are refining their chewing skills. They will begin to chew food with a more mature, rotary motion, though they may still have some difficulty with tougher or harder foods. Offer a combination of soft and slightly firmer foods to encourage this skill.
3. Food Preferences
- Developing Tastes: It’s not uncommon for toddlers to develop strong food preferences at this stage. Some children may become more selective, preferring certain foods over others. Keep offering a variety of nutritious foods and model healthy eating habits, even if your child refuses certain items.
- Eating with the Family: Continue to incorporate your child into family meals. Eating together helps model appropriate mealtime behaviors and encourages your toddler to observe and imitate how others eat. Create a positive mealtime environment by minimizing distractions and focusing on the experience of eating together. It’s best to minimize screen time and phones for everyone during family meals!
Tips for Encouraging Speech and Feeding Development
- Engage in Regular Conversations:
- Even though your child may not be speaking in full sentences yet, it’s essential to keep engaging with them in conversation. Talk to your child about what you’re doing, describe objects around them, and encourage them to mimic sounds and words.
- Read Together:
- Reading aloud is one of the most beneficial activities for speech development. Choose books with simple, repetitive language and colorful pictures. Point to objects in the pictures and say the corresponding words. This not only enhances vocabulary but also fosters a love for reading.
- Offer a Variety of Foods:
- Introduce new foods regularly, and offer different textures to expand your child’s feeding repertoire. Make mealtime fun by offering bite-sized pieces of food that they can pick up themselves. Encourage exploration with a variety of healthy snacks.
- Be Patient with Speech Development:
- Every child develops at their own pace, and it’s important to be patient and supportive. If your child is still not saying many words or is struggling with feeding skills, consider consulting a speech-language pathologist or feeding therapist for guidance.
- Create a Positive Mealtime Routine:
- Make mealtime enjoyable by keeping it calm and relaxed. Offer a variety of healthy foods, and avoid pressuring your child to eat. Allow them to explore their food, try self-feeding, and practice drinking from a cup.
Conclusion
The 15-18 month period is full of exciting developmental milestones in both speech and feeding. Language and feeding milestones for 15-18 month olds include toddlers communicating more intentionally, experimenting with words, and becoming more skilled at feeding themselves. By providing a supportive, interactive environment, you can encourage their growth and help them continue to thrive.
For previous speech and feeding milestones, view my blog. Remember, each child progresses at their own pace, so it’s important to celebrate the small wins and remain patient as your child builds new skills. Keep engaging with them through conversation, reading, and mealtimes, and don’t hesitate to seek professional support if you have concerns about their speech or feeding development.