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Introduction
Congratulations, your baby is now turning one year old! This is a significant milestone not just for your child, but for you as a parent as well. You’ve been through sleepless nights, countless diaper changes, and feeding sessions, and now you’re seeing your baby grow and develop into a little person. But what exactly can you expect from your 12-month-old baby? In this article, we’ll discuss the various milestones you can expect from your little one, and what you can do to support their growth and development.
Physical Development
At 12 months old, your baby is likely becoming more mobile. They may be crawling, standing up, or even taking a few steps on their own. They may also be able to pick up small objects with their fingers, and use their hands to bang toys together or put objects in and out of containers. To support your baby’s physical development, provide plenty of opportunities for movement, such as tummy time, crawling, and walking with assistance.
Social and Emotional Development
Your 12-month-old baby is becoming more social and may enjoy interacting with others. They may be able to say a few words, such as “mama” or “dada,” and may be able to understand simple commands, such as “wave goodbye.” They may also enjoy playing simple games, such as peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake. To support your baby’s social and emotional development, spend time playing with them, reading to them, and providing them with plenty of love and attention.
Cognitive Development
Your 12-month-old baby is also becoming more curious and may enjoy exploring their environment. They may be able to recognize familiar objects and people, and may enjoy looking at pictures in books. They may also be able to imitate simple actions, such as clapping or waving. To support your baby’s cognitive development, provide them with plenty of toys and activities that encourage exploration, such as blocks, balls, and puzzles.
Language Development
At 12 months old, your baby may be able to say a few words, such as “mama” or “dada,” and may be able to understand simple commands. They may also babble and make other vocalizations, such as cooing or gurgling. To support your baby’s language development, spend time talking to them, reading to them, and providing them with plenty of opportunities to listen to language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many words should my 12-month-old be saying?
A: Most 12-month-olds are able to say a few words, such as “mama” or “dada,” but it’s not uncommon for some babies to say no words at all. Every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your baby isn’t saying as many words as you expected.
Q: When should my 12-month-old start walking?
A: Most 12-month-olds are able to stand up and take a few steps with assistance, but some babies may not start walking until they are 15 or 16 months old. Again, every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your baby isn’t walking yet.
Q: How can I encourage my 12-month-old’s development?
A: To encourage your baby’s development, provide them with plenty of opportunities for movement, social interaction, exploration, and language exposure. Spend time playing with them, reading to them, and providing them with plenty of love and attention.
Q: Should I be worried if my 12-month-old isn’t meeting all of these milestones?
A: Every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your baby isn’t meeting all of these milestones exactly on schedule. However, if you are concerned about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician to discuss further.
Q: What should I do if my 12-month-old is behind on their development?
A: If you are concerned about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician to discuss further. They may recommend early intervention services, such as physical therapy or speech therapy, to help your baby catch up.