Watching your baby grow and develop is an exciting experience for any parent. During the first year of their life, they will reach many milestones, from sitting up to taking their first steps. But what about after their first birthday? From 12 months to 18 months, your little one will continue to progress rapidly. Here’s what you need to know about baby development during this stage.
Table of Contents
Physical Development
Between the ages of 12 months and 18 months, your baby will become more mobile than ever before. They may start walking or even running, and climbing will become a favorite activity. You’ll also notice improved hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Activities such as feeding themselves or stacking blocks will become easier as they develop more control over their movements.
In addition to these physical milestones, your baby will also continue to grow rapidly during this stage. They may triple their birth weight by their first birthday, and by 18 months, they will likely have quadrupled it. Make sure you’re providing them with a healthy diet and plenty of opportunities to play and move.
Language Development
During the first year of their life, your baby will have learned to recognize and respond to your voice. From 12 months to 18 months, they will start to vocalize and communicate with you more intentionally. They may start to say their first words, such as “mama” or “dada,” and will also start to understand simple instructions such as “come here” or “sit down.”
Reading to your baby and talking to them frequently can help encourage their language development. Pointing out objects and identifying them by name will help them build their vocabulary.
Social and Emotional Development
From 12 months to 18 months, your baby will become more independent and curious about the world around them. They may start to become more aware of their likes and dislikes and may even show signs of stubbornness or frustration when they don’t get their way. This is a normal part of their development as they learn to assert their independence.
You can help support your baby’s social and emotional development by providing them with plenty of love and attention. Encourage them to explore their surroundings and express their feelings, and comfort them when they’re upset. As they develop more trust in you, they will become more confident and independent.
Cognitive Development
Your baby’s cognitive development will continue to progress during this stage as they learn to understand cause and effect and problem-solving skills. They will become more curious about their surroundings and may start to experiment with objects in new ways.
Providing your baby with age-appropriate toys and activities can help support their cognitive development. Activities such as playing with blocks, sorting shapes, and looking at picture books can all help them build their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Conclusion
From physical milestones to language development, social and emotional growth, and cognitive development, your baby will continue to progress rapidly from 12 months to 18 months. Supporting their growth and development during this stage is key to helping them become happy, healthy, and confident individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a normal weight for a baby at 12 months old?
A: The average weight for a 12-month-old baby is around 20 pounds for girls and 22 pounds for boys. However, there is a wide range of normal weight within this age group, so consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s growth.
Q: When should my baby start walking?
A: Most babies start walking between 9 and 15 months old, but every baby is different. Some may start earlier, while others may take a little longer to get the hang of it. If you have concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician.
Q: What are some good toys for my 12-18 month old?
A: Age-appropriate toys for this age group include blocks, shape sorters, push toys, simple puzzles, and picture books. These toys can help support your baby’s cognitive development and fine motor skills.
Q: When should my baby start talking?
A: Most babies start saying their first words between 9 and 14 months old, but some may not start talking until closer to 18 months. It’s important to talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s language development.
Q: How can I support my baby’s social and emotional development?
A: You can support your baby’s social and emotional development by providing them with plenty of love and attention, encouraging them to explore their surroundings, and helping them express their feelings. Consistently responding to your baby’s needs and comfort them when they’re upset can also help them develop trust and confidence.