A year has passed, and now your baby is 12 months old. Time flies by quickly, so you might miss the key developmental milestones. Let us look at some milestones to look out for in 12 months. Also, do remember that milestones are guidelines and not deadlines!
What are some milestones observed by 12 months?
Let us look at some milestones that can be observed in a 12-month-old baby:
Physical milestones:
Stands without support for a slightly longer time.
Uses furniture or places hands on walls to stand.
May attempt to walk.
Crawls quickly.
Can grasp objects and hold them for some time.
Able to turn pages in a book.
They try to feed themselves.
Social milestones:
Waves “bye” to leave or say “hi”. Understands simple gestures.
Uses gestures to talk.
Understands simple instructions.
May experience separation anxiety.
Cognitive milestones:
Likes to explore objects.
Recognizes familiar people or voices.
Knows how to play simple games like peek-a-boo.
Might understand simple instructions. For instance, “Bring it to me”, “Drink it”, etc.
Begins pretend play (Example: pretending to eat from a plate).
Puts objects in containers and takes them out.
Communication milestones:
Able to speak simple monosyllabic words like “mama” or “dada”.
Responds to their name being called.
Tries to imitate words or sounds that are being spoken.
What can you do as a parent?
Remember that each child has a unique developmental journey. If your baby does not reach these milestones, do not be worried. Some might reach milestones early, and some might take time. At the same time, make sure to trust your gut instincts. If you feel something is wrong, consult a pediatrician.
Apart from this, a few tips to encourage the baby’s development are given below:
Parents can play games like peak-a-boo or hide-and-seek with toys. This can aid in building a baby's cognitive abilities.
Name or label objects. You can also point out objects and repeat their name. For instance, a book, a cup, etc.
Read books to the baby every day. It helps in building their memory and attention span. You can also use picture books with illustrations to read to your baby.
If your baby wants to walk or stand, lend them support if needed. This can help them build their motor skills.
It is okay if the baby wants to feed themselves. It can get messy, but your baby will develop better hand-eye coordination.
Sing songs with gestures (it can be rhyming poems as well). This can improve their memory and vocabulary.
It is important to be patient and consistent. This way, they would be able to learn more. Make your place baby-proof so that the baby can move and learn around more.
Conclusion:
Your baby turning one is not just a milestone but a celebration of the baby’s growth. Encourage your baby with love and support. Each milestone is a stepping stone to your child’s growth and development.
