Congratulations! Your baby has reached the one-year milestone. It’s amazing how fast they grow and develop right before your eyes. Your little one is now a toddler, and it’s exciting to see all the new things they can do at this stage.
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Physical Development
At 12 months old, your little one is becoming more mobile. They may be walking, crawling, or even cruising (holding onto furniture) around the house. They are also becoming more coordinated with their movements, such as being able to pick up small objects with their thumb and forefinger (pincer grasp). They are also developing fine motor skills, such as scribbling with a crayon and stacking blocks.
Social and Emotional Development
Your little one is becoming more social and interactive with others. They may enjoy playing simple games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake. They are also starting to express their emotions more, such as showing joy, frustration, and fear. They may also become attached to a favorite toy or blanket.
Language Development
Your baby is starting to understand more words and may be able to say a few simple words like “mama” and “dada”. They may also start to use gestures like pointing to indicate what they want. They may even imitate sounds and words they hear, so watch what you say!
Cognitive Development
At this stage, your baby is starting to develop problem-solving skills. They may figure out how to push a button to make a toy play music or how to open a cabinet door to get a toy. They are also becoming more curious about the world around them and want to explore everything.
Feeding
By 12 months old, your baby should be eating a variety of foods and textures, including solid foods. They may be able to use a spoon and cup to feed themselves. They should be drinking whole cow’s milk, as breast milk or formula alone is no longer sufficient for their growth and development. It’s important to continue introducing new foods and flavors to expand their palate.
Sleep
At 12 months old, your baby may be sleeping through the night (hooray!). They may also be taking one or two naps during the day, totaling around 12-14 hours of sleep per day. It’s important to establish a consistent sleep routine to help them sleep better and longer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Development 12 Months Old
1. When should my baby start walking?
Every baby is different, but most babies start walking between 9 and 15 months old. Some may take a little longer, and that’s okay!
2. Should I be worried if my baby is not saying any words yet?
Not necessarily. Every baby develops at their own pace. However, if your baby is not responding to sound or seems to be having trouble communicating, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician.
3. How much milk should my baby be drinking?
By 12 months old, your baby should be drinking about 16-20 ounces of whole cow’s milk per day, in addition to eating a variety of foods.
4. Should I be worried if my baby is not sleeping through the night yet?
Not necessarily. Some babies may take longer to learn how to sleep through the night. However, if your baby is consistently waking up and not able to fall back asleep, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician.
5. What kinds of activities can I do with my 12-month-old?
There are many fun activities you can do with your little one, such as reading books, playing with toys, singing songs, and going for walks. It’s important to encourage their curiosity and exploration of the world around them.