Maternal and child health - visit 8 - eighteen month visit

The visit around 18 months of age is one of a series of health and development checks for young children. At these visits, a child health nurse works in partnership with families to support the health, learning and development of babies and young children. This article looks at what usually happens at an around-18-months check.

What happens at this visit#

At this visit, the nurse will usually review your child’s growth, health and development. This often includes:

• a check of growth and general health
• a hearing risk assessment
• questions about your child’s development, which you may be asked to think about or answer beforehand

You and your nurse can also talk about any other issues or concerns. A common focus at this age is preventing injuries, because children of this age are very active and curious. If you can, think about any questions you have before the visit so you can make the most of your time.

What your child may be doing at this age#

Around this age, children learn a great deal by exploring the world around them. As a parent or carer, you may find it hard to keep up – emptying drawers and “helping” you with chores is common. Your child may be:

• walking and starting to run
• saying some words and understanding many more
• feeding themselves with a spoon or cup
• recognizing themselves in a mirror
• playing alone, but still liking to be near familiar people

Every child develops at their own pace, but tell your nurse if your child is:

• not walking
• not enjoying eye contact or cuddles
• not coming to you for affection or comfort
• not understanding any words
• not pointing or waving
• not trying to communicate with you
• not showing any signs of pretend play

Ideas to support learning and development#

Simple, everyday activities help your child learn. You might try to:

• praise your child when they learn a new skill, such as feeding themselves
• explore outside and talk about the trees, birds or cars you see
• give them safe everyday objects – old clothes, a plastic bowl or a cardboard box – and let their imagination run wild
• encourage them to meet other children at a playgroup or playground
• share lots of books, stories and rhymes

Topics you might discuss#

This is also a good time to talk with your nurse about:

• helping your child eat healthy food
• caring for your child’s teeth (baby teeth are important)
• protecting your child from the sun
• how play supports learning and development
• family relationships and wellbeing
• immunizations
• communication and social development

How often should I visit?#

Child health services usually offer a series of checks at key ages and stages, from early infancy through to the years before starting school. Your nurse can let you know what visits are recommended where you live, and many services also offer open consultation sessions and some after-hours appointments if you have concerns between visits.

Key points#

• The around-18-months visit is a routine health and development check for young children.
• The nurse usually reviews growth, health and development and checks hearing.
• Tell your nurse if your child is not walking or shows the warning signs listed above.
• Everyday play, books and outdoor exploration all support learning.
• You can raise any concern with your nurse at any visit.

Where to get help#