HomeEarly Years Resources Growth and Development 12 Months

12 Months

Below is a list of developmental milestones that children typically reach at the end of 12 months of age. Review them with your child’s healthcare professional and talk about what to expect next.

Movement & Physical Development

  • Gets to a sitting position without help
  • Pulls up to sand, walks holding on to furniture ("curising")
  • May take a few steps without holding on
  • May stand alone

Social & Emotional

  • • Smiles spontaneously, particularly at people • Likes to play with people • Copies some movements and facial expressions – smiling and frowningIs shy or nervous with strangers
  • Cries when mom or dad leaves 
  • Has favourite things and people
  • Shows fear in some situations 
  • Hands you a book when they want to hear a story
  • Repeats sounds or actions to get attention
  • Puts out arm or leg to help with dressing
  • Plays games such as "peek-a-boo" and "pat-a-cake"

Cognitive (Learning, Thinking, Problem Solving)

  • Explores things in different ways, like shaking, banging, throwing
  • Finds hidden things easily
  • Looks at the right ppicture or thing when it's named
  • Copies gestures
  • Starts to use things correctly, for example, drinks from a cup, brushes hair
  • Bangs two things together
  • Puts things in a container, takes things out of a container
  • Lets things go without help
  • Pokes with index (pointer) finger
  • Follows simple directions like "pick up the toy"

Language & Communication

  • Responds to simple spoken reuests
  • Uses simple gestures, like shaking head "no" or waving "bye-bye" 
  • Makes sounds with changes in tone (sounds more like speech)
  • Says "mama" and "dada" and exclamations like "uh-oh!"
  • Tries to say words you say

What You Can Do With Your 1-Year-Old

You can help your child learn and grow. Talk, read, sing, and play together every day. Below are some activities to enjoy with your 1-year-old child today.

ACTIVITY LIST

Ask For Help if Your Child...

  • Doesn’t crawl 
  • Can’t stand when supported
  • Doesn’t search for things that she sees you hide.
  • Doesn’t say single words like “mama” or “dada” 
  • Doesn’t learn gestures like waving or shaking head 
  • Doesn’t point to things 
  • Loses skills your child once had
Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any of these signs of possible developmental delay for this age. You can also talk with someone in your community who is familiar with services for young children in your area. Try the FCWN Navigator by emailing [email protected] or calling 403-995-2706.