Supporting Healthy Development: 9-18 Months
Children this age are becoming more mobile and can move toward people and objects they are interested in. This is a good time to do a safety review in your home to ensure it is child-proof and safe for your child to explore.
At this age, babies show strong attachment to their parents and other adults in their lives. They also are fascinated with other children and babies.
Loving Relationships Are the Foundation for Healthy Development 
Guide early conflict resolution
At this age, children have very little self-control. Waiting, sharing, and following rules are hard for them. Model calm problem-solving and help them practice gentle interactions with others.
Understand and ease separation anxiety
Many children this age become upset when separated from caregivers. Learn more about easing separation anxiety.
Help children understand their feelings
Use simple words to name and describe emotions (their feelings and others’ feelings). This helps young children begin to make sense of big emotions.
How children this age think, learn and interact
How They Think and Learn
| Video | Video Title |
|---|---|
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Communication |
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Learning and Interaction |
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Feelings and Emotions |
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Growing Up |
Source: Colorado Early Learning & Development Guidelines, EarlyLearningCO.org
Tips to Support Your Child's Healthy Development
- Ask her if she wants to help; give her a spoon to play with while you cook
- When he needs attention or comfort, respond with hugs, smiles and love
- Recognize and encourage him when he tries to do things by himself
- Sit with her on the floor to play
- Let her have a special blanket or stuffed animal (comfort object)
- Talk about how other children show feelings: “Daniel is laughing because the puppet is funny”
- Show and talk about how you care for other children: “Ana feels better when I give her a hug”
- Talk to him about what he is doing: “You are showing me the ball – you want to play”
- Give her a choice between two options: “Do you want to wear blue socks or white socks?”
- Notice and support her when she comforts herself: “You found your blankie and now you feel better”
Challenging Behavior & Positive Discipline
Challenging behavior is common and every parent should expect it from birth to (at least) age three. This is because young children are just beginning to develop self-control. They have a hard time controlling their impulses and managing strong emotions.
Children this age are just starting to learn the skills they need to calm themselves down when they become upset. This can lead to some hard moments — for adults and kids!
If you are struggling with challenging behavior like temper tantrums, biting or defiance, there are lots of great informational resources to support you as well as parenting support programs in our community.
This page has excellent information on why toddlers throw tantrums, and what you can do to prevent and respond to your toddler’s challenging behavior.
More Resources for Parents & Caregivers of children 9-18 Months
Lifelong Mental Health Begins at Birth!
Strong social-emotional skills are part of the foundation for lifelong mental health. As adults, it’s our job to help children develop these skills.
Parenting Tips by Text
Lantern sends messages with tips and activities for caregivers of children that are targeted to your child’s age. Messages include information on development, health and safety, behavior, and more.
Activities to Build Your Baby's Brain!
Vroom Tips are fun activities that turn everyday moments into opportunities to build your child’s brain. You can receive Vroom Tips via the app, text message, email or social media.
