Patient Education
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.
Topic Contents
Cognitive Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months
Overview
The brain grows dramatically through the second year of life. Around 12 months, toddlers develop a new ability to remember experiences that occurred a few hours or even a day earlier. Toddlers often show off this new ability by repeating an experience they remember. For example, they may throw a ball or stack blocks again at a later time. Changes in the brain allow a toddler between 18 and 24 months of age to think in more complex ways, such as recalling events that occurred days earlier. The older toddler starts to play pretend. For example, he or she may give a teddy bear a "drink" from a cup or let the bear "talk" on the phone. These toddlers are also starting to understand symbols (for example, that words can stand for objects).
Toddlers also start to see connections between events. For example, when they open a music box, they know they will hear a song. Or when they throw a ball, they know it will bounce. They'll probably throw their dolls, food, and many other objects to see if they'll bounce too.
At 18 months, toddlers have a greater understanding of the world outside of home. Toddlers start to form a sense of self, the ability to see themselves as separate from others. They can now imagine a threat. They often go through a period of clinging to parents and being fearful of strangers.
Related Information
Credits
Current as of: October 24, 2023
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: October 24, 2023
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.
© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.