Read about reaching milestones: 12 to 15 months
All babies have their own timetable, but you can watch for certain developments in your 1-year-old. Celebrate with your baby as he reaches or nears these milestones.
Cognitive
- Begins to have a sense of time (nap after lunch, bath before bed)
- Actively explores objects by touching and moving (shaking, banging, throwing)
- Has a good understanding of object permanence (things he can’t see are still there)
- Searches for hidden items; puts things in and takes them out of containers
- Continues to explore and gain an understanding of the proper use of objects (sweeping with a broom, pointing a remote at the TV)
- Begins to enjoy pretend play, especially of everyday activities, like pretending to sleep or eat
- Can follow a simple command (“Give me the spoon”)
- Points to objects you name (his nose, a picture of a dog in a book)
Motor
- Pulls self to standing
- Stands upright unsupported, at least briefly
- Cruises using furniture for support (takes steps while holding on)
- Starts taking first solo steps (20) or may even walk fairly well
- Climbs up stairs; scoots down
- Claps hands
- Drinks from a cup
- Feeds self with hands
- Waves
- May be able to pick up a small object with good accuracy
- Still releases objects from hands without much control
- May scribble with a fat crayon
Communication
- Uses at least one to two words around first birthday
- Understands around 70 words by first birthday
- Uses an average of 10 words by 15 months
- May have larger vocabulary (varies widely)
- Responds to questions and requests (“Want more?” “Come here.”)
- May show interest in picture books (connecting words and images)
Social
- Cries or becomes upset when parent leaves
- Begins to show fear in some situations
- May alternately cling to and pull away from you
- May show preference for one particular transitional object (such as a blanket) for comfort
- Shows preferences for certain people and things
- Beginning to understand he’s a separate person from you with his own preferences, feelings, and ideas
- May say “no” to express frustration
- May show empathy (for example, patting your back when you’re upset)
- Prefers parallel play (playing next to, rather than with, another child)
