The typical 12-month-old child will demonstrate certain physical and mental skills. These skills are called developmental milestones.

PHYSICAL AND MOTOR SKILLS

The 12-month-old child is expected to:

• Triple the birth weight
• Grow to a height of 50% over birth length
• Have a head circumference equal that of the chest
• Have 6 - 8 teeth
• Have a nearly-closed anterior fontanel (the front soft spot on the head)
• No longer have a Babinski reflex (although it may be present in children up to age 2)
• Pull to stand and walk with help or alone
• Sit down without help
• Bang 2 blocks together
• Turn through pages of a book by flipping many at a time
• Have a precise pincer grasp

SENSORY AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

The typical 12-month-old:

• Follows a fast moving object
• Has control over response to sounds
• Comprehends several words
• Can say mamma, papa, and at least 1-2 other words
• Comprehends simple commands
• Tries to imitate animal sounds
• Associates names with objects
• Searches for objects that are hidden, but unable to consider alternative locations
• Points to objects with index finger
• Waves bye
• May develop attachment to a toy or object
• Experiences separation anxiety and may cling to parents
• May make brief exploratory journeys away from parents in familiar settings

PLAY

You can help your 12-month-old develop skills through play:

• Provide the infant with picture books
• Provide the infant with different stimuli, such as going to the mall or zoo
• Play ball
• Build vocabulary by reading and naming people and objecting in the environment
• Teach hot and cold through play
• Provide large toys that can be pushed to encourage walking