All babies have their own timetable, but you can watch for certain developments in your 12-month-old. Celebrate with your baby as he reaches or nears these milestones.
Cognitive
Looks and listens simultaneously
Understands how to use many objects (cuddling a stuffed toy, shaking a rattle, putting a cup to his lips)
Understands that objects have names
Understands object permanence well (looks for an object that’s hidden because he knows it’s there)
Has an expanding attention span (about 15 minutes)
Is attracted to novelty (new toys, objects)
Explores playthings in new ways (touching, banging, dropping)
Increasingly displays memory of recent events
Follows one-step commands (“Lift your arm”)
Motor
Has good accuracy when picking up small objects with fingers (pincer grasp)
Getting better at releasing objects from his grasp
Points and pokes with his index finger
Can feed self, although messily
Drinks from a cup
May be able to put things into containers
Crawls quickly
Crawls up stairs
Pulls up to standing position
May stand alone briefly
May cruise along furniture
May take first steps or even walk
Communication
Uses gestures to communicate
Shakes head or frowns to express “no” or respond to “no”
Holds out arms to be picked up
Recognizes and responds to many familiar words
Responds to simple questions and one-step commands
Babbles in long groups of consonant-vowel sounds, like “tata upupup ba ba ba!”
Uses the cadence and inflections of real conversation
May use “Ma ma” and “Da da” to refer specifically to parents
May say other early words
Social
Accurately mimics the expressions and some sounds made by others
Imitates the actions of adults and other children
Enjoys watching older children
Enjoys being around other babies but doesn’t play with them yet
Watches for your reactions (to banging, laughing, testing limits)
Shows stranger anxiety (shyness around strangers)
Shows separation anxiety (crying or exhibiting distress when you leave the room)
