Watching your baby grow and develop is a magical experience. Each milestone reached is a moment of celebration, but also a sign that your little one is learning and growing at a healthy pace. From 6 to 12 months, your baby will reach many physical and cognitive milestones that will help them develop their personality and abilities.
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Physical Milestones
At 6 months, your baby will start to sit up unassisted, and can also roll over from their back to their stomach. By 9 months, they will start to crawl and pull themselves up to a standing position. At this age, they can also pick up small objects with their thumb and forefinger, and may even start to feed themselves with finger foods. At 10 months, your baby will start to cruise, holding onto furniture or surfaces and taking steps while standing up. Finally, by 12 months, most babies will be able to walk independently.
Cognitive Milestones
Babies at this age are also developing their cognitive skills, learning new things every day. By 6 months, they will begin to recognize familiar faces and objects, and may even start to develop separation anxiety when away from their parents. By 9 months, your baby may start to imitate sounds and gestures, and can also understand simple commands like “no” or “come here”. At 12 months, most babies will have a vocabulary of a few words and will understand more complex instructions.
Social Milestones
From 6 to 12 months, your baby will also learn important social skills. They will start to interact more with those around them, smiling and laughing when happy, and crying or showing other signs of distress when something is wrong. By 9 months, your baby may start to show preferences for certain people or toys, and may even start to play simple games like peek-a-boo. By 12 months, most babies will be eager to explore the world around them, and will have developed strong attachments to their caregivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should my baby start crawling?
Most babies start to crawl between 7 and 10 months of age, although some may start as early as 6 months or as late as 12 months.
2. When should my baby start walking?
Most babies start to walk independently between 9 and 12 months of age, although some may start as early as 8 months or as late as 18 months.
3. How can I help my baby reach their milestones?
Encouraging your baby to play, providing a safe space for them to explore, and giving them plenty of positive attention and affection can all help them reach their milestones on time.
4. What should I do if my baby is not reaching their milestones?
If you have concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician. They can help you track your baby’s progress and provide guidance on early intervention if necessary.
5. What are some fun activities I can do with my 6-12 month old?
Reading books, singing songs, playing with sensory objects like bubbles or water, and going for walks or playing outside are all great activities for babies at this age. Remember to always supervise your baby and provide plenty of positive interaction and support.