Source: bing.comCongratulations! Your little one has reached an exciting milestone – turning one year and three months old. As a parent, you are probably wondering what developmental milestones you should expect at this stage. Here are some of the important ones to look out for:
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Gross Motor Skills
At this stage, your baby is likely to be transitioning from crawling to walking. She may be taking her first steps or even running around with increasing confidence. Encourage your baby’s motor development by allowing her to explore and play in safe and open spaces. Try setting up obstacles or soft play equipment to challenge and stimulate her balance and coordination.
Fine Motor Skills
Your baby’s dexterity is also improving. She may be able to hold a spoon or cup with increasing control and use her fingers to pick up small objects such as Cheerios. You can encourage her to practice her fine motor skills by giving her toys that require grasping, pushing, and pulling.
Language and Communication Skills
Your baby’s vocabulary is likely expanding rapidly at this stage. She may be able to say a few words such as “mama” or “dada” and understand simple commands like “come here” or “give me a hug.” Encourage your baby’s language development by talking to her often, reading books together, and singing simple songs.
Social and Emotional Development
Your baby is becoming increasingly aware of other people and may start to show affection towards familiar adults or other children. She may also start to assert her independence and may throw tantrums or become clingy when she doesn’t get her way. Help your baby develop social and emotional skills by providing a stable and loving environment and modeling positive behaviors.
Cognitive Development
Your baby’s brain is developing rapidly at this stage. She may be able to recognize familiar objects and people and understand basic cause and effect relationships (e.g. pushing a button to make a toy light up). You can encourage her cognitive development by playing games that require problem-solving and memory, such as hide and seek or memory matching.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will my baby start walking?
Every baby is different, but most babies start walking between 9 and 18 months old. Encourage your baby’s walking development by providing lots of opportunities to practice standing and walking (e.g. holding onto furniture or your hands). Remember that some babies may take longer to walk than others, and that’s okay!
How can I encourage my baby’s language development?
Talk to your baby often, read books together, and sing simple songs. Point out and name familiar objects and people, and encourage your baby to imitate sounds and words. Don’t worry if your baby’s language development seems slow – every baby develops at their own pace.
Is it normal for my baby to have tantrums?
Yes, it is perfectly normal for babies to have tantrums at this age. Remember that your baby is still learning how to express her emotions and may become frustrated when she can’t communicate her needs or desires. Provide a safe and loving environment, and model positive behaviors to help your baby learn how to regulate her emotions.
How much sleep does my baby need?
Most babies need around 12 to 14 hours of sleep a day at this stage, including naps. However, every baby is different and some may need more or less sleep. Pay attention to your baby’s sleep cues (e.g. rubbing her eyes, becoming fussy) and adjust her sleep schedule accordingly.
When should I be concerned about my baby’s development?
Every baby develops at their own pace, so it’s important not to compare your baby to others. However, if you notice that your baby is not meeting important developmental milestones (e.g. not making sounds or responding to her name), talk to your pediatrician. Early intervention can help address potential developmental issues.
Remember, every baby is unique and develops at their own pace. Celebrate your baby’s milestones and enjoy this exciting stage of development!