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12-Month Baby Developmental Milestones, 1-Year-Old

No two children develop, grow and learn in the same way or at the same pace. However, children do develop in certain predictable ways. Listed below are common developmental milestones for 12-month-old (1-year-old) babies.

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Watch this video to see milestones and stages of development for 12-month-old (1-year-old) babies and get ideas on how you can support a baby’s healthy development.

moving icon Moving - Physical or Motor Development

  • Pulls to stand and walks holding on to furniture.
  • Gets into sitting position without help.
  • Begins to stand alone.
  • Begins to take steps alone.

talking icon Talking - Communication and Language Development

  • Uses simple gestures like shaking head “no” or waving “bye-bye”.
  • Says “mama” and “dada.”
  • Tries to say words.
  • Responds to simple requests (such as shaking head when asked, “are you all done?”).

interacting icon Interacting - Social and Emotional Development

  • Prefers certain people and toys.
  • Imitates sounds, gestures or actions to get your attention.
  • Cries when you leave and is shy around strangers.
  • Puts arm or leg out to help with dressing.
  • Enjoys playing games like “peek-a-boo” and “pat-a-cake.”
  • Shows affection with familiar people.

thinking icon Thinking - Cognitive Development

  • Puts objects in and out of containers.
  • Looks at the correct picture when it is named.
  • Bangs things together.
  • Begins to use common objects correctly (drinks from a cup, brushes hair).
  • Follows simple directions, such as “pick up your book.”
  • Explores things by banging, shaking or throwing.
  • Pokes with index finger.
  • Lets things go without help.

Resources

Help Me Grow has a variety of resources that can help you support the healthy development of a 12-month-old (1-year-old) baby. Learn more about Infant and Toddler Intervention and Preschool Special Education services and discover other resources available to you.

Encouraging Healthy Development for a 12-Month-Old (1-year-old) Baby

Ideas that can help you support the development of a 12-month-old (1-year-old) baby.

Help Me Grow Articles

Articles that help you support the healthy development of a child.

Resources Directory

A directory of services provided for families of children with disabilities.

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If you have concerns about a child's development and think a child might need extra help to learn and grow, do not hesitate to refer a child.

The family will be contacted by the local school district to arrange for a screening or evaluation to determine if their child is eligible for Infant and Toddler Intervention or Preschool Special Education services in Minnesota.

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