Source: bing.comAs a new parent, it can be overwhelming to keep up with your baby’s development. From their first smile to their first steps, every milestone is significant. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the development of babies between 6-12 months old. We’ll cover everything from physical milestones to language development, so you can be prepared for the exciting months ahead.
Table of Contents
Physical Development
Between 6-12 months, your baby will experience significant physical growth. They will likely double their birth weight and grow by 1-1.5 inches per month. You’ll also notice their motor skills start to develop. Here are some of the physical milestones you can expect:
- Sitting up without support
- Crawling or scooting on their stomach
- Pulling themselves up to stand
- Walking with support
It’s important to provide your baby with a safe and stimulating environment to encourage their physical development. Offer plenty of tummy time to strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles, and provide toys that encourage reaching and grasping.
Sensory Development
Your baby’s senses will continue to develop between 6-12 months. They will become more aware of their surroundings and start to recognize familiar faces and objects. Here are some of the sensory milestones you can expect:
- Responding to their name
- Following objects with their eyes
- Recognizing familiar faces and objects
- Exploring objects with their mouth
To encourage sensory development, provide your baby with a variety of toys and objects with different textures, colors, and sounds. Play games like peek-a-boo to encourage object permanence.
Cognitive Development
Between 6-12 months, your baby’s cognitive development will start to accelerate. They will become more curious about their surroundings and start to experiment with cause and effect. Here are some of the cognitive milestones you can expect:
- Understanding simple commands
- Experimenting with cause and effect
- Playing games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake
- Imitating sounds and gestures
To encourage cognitive development, provide your baby with plenty of opportunities to explore their surroundings. Play games that encourage problem-solving and offer toys that require manipulation and exploration.
Language Development
Between 6-12 months, your baby’s language development will start to take off. They will start to recognize familiar words and sounds and begin to babble and make sounds of their own. Here are some of the language milestones you can expect:
- Babbling and making sounds
- Recognizing familiar words and sounds
- Responding to simple commands
- Using gestures like waving goodbye
To encourage language development, talk to your baby often and respond to their sounds and gestures. Read books together and sing songs to help them recognize familiar words and sounds.
Social and Emotional Development
Between 6-12 months, your baby’s social and emotional development will start to flourish. They will start to develop a sense of self and become more aware of the emotions of others. Here are some of the social and emotional milestones you can expect:
- Developing a sense of self
- Becoming more aware of the emotions of others
- Showing affection towards familiar people
- Becoming more independent
To encourage social and emotional development, provide your baby with plenty of opportunities to interact with others. Play games that require turn-taking and offer plenty of physical affection to help them feel secure.
Conclusion
Watching your baby develop and grow between 6-12 months is an exciting time. By understanding the physical, sensory, cognitive, language, and social milestones they will experience, you can help support their development and encourage them to reach their full potential. Remember to provide lots of love, attention, and stimulation to help your baby thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should my baby start to crawl?
A: Your baby may start to crawl between 6-10 months, but every baby is different. Some babies may skip crawling altogether and go straight to walking.
Q: When should my baby start to talk?
A: Most babies start to babble between 6-8 months and say their first words between 10-14 months. However, every baby develops at their own pace.
Q: How can I encourage my baby’s development?
A: Provide your baby with a safe and stimulating environment, offer plenty of love and attention, and engage in activities that encourage their physical, sensory, cognitive, language, and social development.
Q: Should I be concerned if my baby is not meeting milestones?
A: Every baby develops at their own pace, but if you are concerned, it’s always better to talk to your pediatrician. They can evaluate your baby’s development and provide guidance on how to support their growth.
Q: How can I help my baby become more independent?
A: Offer your baby plenty of opportunities to explore their surroundings and encourage them to do things on their own. Provide toys and objects that require manipulation and exploration, and offer plenty of praise and support when they accomplish something on their own.
Related video of Baby 6-12 Months Development: A Guide for New Parents
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ezj3TZ57hYs