Child Development Series: 12-Month Milestones Every Parent Should Know

Did you know that the first few years of life are the most crucial for childhood development?

If you do see your child needing some extra help in any of these areas, early intervention can play an important role in acquiring these skills!

Let’s take a look at some of the skills that children are typically doing around the 12 month mark:

Speech Development:

By 12 months, most children are starting to babble with purpose, using consonant-vowel combinations like “mama” or “dada” to communicate. They may also begin to understand simple words and commands, although their vocabulary is still limited. Encourage their language skills by engaging in conversations, reading aloud, and labeling objects and actions in their environment.

Physical/Motor Skills:

Motor skills are rapidly advancing at this stage. Many 12-month-olds are taking their first independent steps, while others may be proficient crawlers or cruisers. They’re also refining their fine motor skills, using their fingers to pick up small objects and manipulate toys. Activities like stacking blocks, banging objects together, and pushing/pulling toys can further enhance their motor coordination.

Social Development:

At 12 months, children are becoming more socially aware and interactive. They may show signs of attachment to primary caregivers, seeking comfort and security from familiar faces. Simple games like peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake can foster social engagement and turn-taking skills. Additionally, they may begin to imitate actions and behaviors observed in others, a sign of growing social cognition.

Emotional Development:

Emotionally, 12-month-olds are learning to express a range of feelings, from joy and excitement to frustration and disappointment. They may start to exhibit signs of separation anxiety when separated from caregivers, indicating a growing understanding of object permanence. Responding sensitively to their emotional cues and providing comfort and reassurance can help them navigate this stage of emotional development.

If at any point you have concerns about your child’s development, be sure to talk to their pediatrician or find a developmental specialist near you.

This is the first post in our Child Development Series — stay tuned as we highlight milestones and ways to support growth in the years ahead!