My 18-month-old is not running yet. Should I worry?

Not necessarily. The CDC's 18-month movement milestone is walking alone; running first appears on the CDC's 2-year checklist, and many, but not all, 18-month-olds begin to run earlier. Children gain motor skills on their own timeline. If your child is not walking alone, or you notice stiffness or one-sided movement, mention it to your pediatrician, who decides if a check is needed.

What counts as pretend play at this age?

Simple imitation of real actions counts, such as feeding a doll, pretending to drink from an empty cup, or holding a toy phone to their ear. It does not need to be elaborate. The CDC lists pretend play on its 2-year checklist, but many toddlers begin around 18 months. If your child rarely imitates or shows interest in pretend, bring it up at the next visit.

How many words should an 18-month-old say?

Many 18-month-olds say several single words, but the exact count varies widely from child to child. Understanding directions and pointing to share interest also matter. If your child says few or no words, or you have concerns about communication, talk to your pediatrician.

Growth & Development · 18 months

18-month milestones (CDC): pretend play & running

By 18 months, many toddlers begin simple pretend, like feeding a doll, and many begin to run, though still stiffly and with falls. The CDC lists milestones most children reach by a given age, not a pass-or-fail test. Children develop at their own pace, so use this as a guide and bring any concerns to your pediatrician, who decides whether a closer look is needed.

3 min read Growth & Development Updated June 2026

What many 18-month-olds do

The CDC's milestones describe what most children can do by 18 months. Your child may already do some of these, and may not yet do others. That range is normal.

Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom
Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car
Points to show you something interesting
Walks alone (the CDC lists running at 2 years; many toddlers begin to run around this age)
Climbs on and off a chair or couch without help
Scribbles, and can drink from a cup without a lid with some spilling
Says several single words and follows simple one-step directions

Pretend play: why it matters

Many toddlers begin simple pretend around this age, copying real actions like pretending to talk on a phone or feed a stuffed animal. The CDC lists pretend play, such as feeding a doll, on its 2-year checklist, but early imitation often emerges over the months before. It shows growing memory, imitation, and early thinking.

You do not need toys to encourage it. Narrate daily routines, give your child a spoon and a cup at play time, and join in when they hand you a 'plate' of pretend food. Let them lead, and copy what they do.

Running and moving

Walking alone is the CDC 18-month movement milestone; the CDC lists running at 2 years. Running at this age often looks more like fast, wide-legged walking with frequent stops and falls. Smoother running usually develops over the months that follow.

Give safe space to move, indoors or out. Toddlers learn balance through repetition, so short, frequent active play helps more than long sessions. Stay close, since their judgment of stairs, edges, and traffic is not yet reliable.

How to support development at home

Everyday interaction supports most skills at this age. You do not need special programs or screens.

Talk through what you are doing and name objects your child points to
Read together daily, even for a few minutes, and let your child turn pages
Offer simple choices, such as two shirts, to build words and decisions
Give safe chances to climb, walk, and run with you nearby
Keep routines predictable for sleep and meals

When to talk to your pediatrician

Trust your instincts. If your child loses skills they once had, or you are worried about how they move, play, learn, speak, or act, talk to your pediatrician. Acting early helps.

Around 18 months your child is also due for a well-child visit, which often includes developmental and autism screening. Bring your questions, and ask about an evaluation if you have concerns. The pediatrician decides whether further assessment or support is needed.

Quick answers

My 18-month-old is not running yet. Should I worry?: Not necessarily. The CDC's 18-month movement milestone is walking alone; running first appears on the CDC's 2-year checklist, and many, but not all, 18-month-olds begin to run earlier. Children gain motor skills on their own timeline. If your child is not walking alone, or you notice stiffness or one-sided movement, mention it to your pediatrician, who decides if a check is needed.
What counts as pretend play at this age?: Simple imitation of real actions counts, such as feeding a doll, pretending to drink from an empty cup, or holding a toy phone to their ear. It does not need to be elaborate. The CDC lists pretend play on its 2-year checklist, but many toddlers begin around 18 months. If your child rarely imitates or shows interest in pretend, bring it up at the next visit.
How many words should an 18-month-old say?: Many 18-month-olds say several single words, but the exact count varies widely from child to child. Understanding directions and pointing to share interest also matter. If your child says few or no words, or you have concerns about communication, talk to your pediatrician.

Sources & further reading

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This article was written against current AAP, CDC, and WHO guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For medical concerns, always consult a qualified healthcare provider.