Source: bing.comCongratulations on reaching the 12-month mark with your little one! This is an exciting time as your baby has come a long way since their birth. As a parent, it’s essential to understand the milestones your baby is expected to reach at the 12-month mark. In this article, we’ll discuss the developmental milestones you can expect from your baby at 12 months.
Table of Contents
Physical Development
At 12 months, your baby’s physical growth and development have come a long way. Your baby’s weight will have tripled since birth, and they will have grown around 10 inches. They would have also achieved several physical milestones such as:
- Standing without support
- Cruising (walking while holding onto furniture)
- Walking independently (some babies might take a few more months to walk independently)
- Picking up small objects using their thumb and index fingers (pincer grasp)
- Drinking from a sippy cup or straw
- Eating finger foods and soft solids
- Sitting down from a standing position
Cognitive Development
Your baby’s cognitive abilities have also progressed significantly since birth. They are becoming more curious about their surroundings and exploring their environment. Here are some cognitive milestones you can expect:
- Understanding simple commands such as “no” and “come here.”
- Responding to their name
- Imitating gestures and sounds
- Pointing to objects they want
- Playing games such as peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake
- Recognizing familiar faces and objects
Social and Emotional Development
Your baby’s social and emotional development is crucial for their future social interactions. At 12 months, your baby will have developed strong emotional bonds with their caregivers, and they will start expressing their emotions. Some social and emotional milestones you can expect include:
- Waving goodbye and hello
- Greeting familiar people with a smile
- Becoming anxious around strangers
- Showing affection for family members
- Playing alongside other children (parallel play)
- Saying “mama” and “dada” to refer to their parents
Language Development
Your baby’s language development is particularly exciting as they start communicating with you in more ways than just crying. At 12 months, your baby will have started saying a few words, and their vocabulary will continue to grow. Here are some language milestones you can expect:
- Saying “mama” and “dada” to refer to their parents
- Using gestures to indicate what they want
- Using simple words such as “bye,” “hi,” and “uh-oh”
- Understanding simple words like “no” and “hot”
- Babbling with inflection
- Pointing to body parts when asked
Every baby develops at their own pace, and some may achieve milestones earlier or later than others. As a parent, it’s essential to celebrate each milestone your baby achieves and support them as they develop. Remember to consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should my baby’s weight be at 12 months?
A: Your baby’s weight should have tripled since birth.
Q: Should my baby be walking independently by 12 months?
A: Some babies might take a few more months to walk independently, but most can cruise by this point.
Q: Can my baby understand simple commands at 12 months?
A: Yes, your baby should be able to understand simple commands such as “no” and “come here.”
Q: Should my baby be saying words by 12 months?
A: Yes, your baby should have started saying a few words, but every baby develops at their own pace.
Q: Should my baby be able to drink from a sippy cup by 12 months?
A: Yes, your baby should be able to drink from a sippy cup or straw by 12 months.