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12-Month Milestones

Toddlers have their own timetable, so don’t worry if your little one does their own thing at their own pace. Here are some 12-month-old milestones to note in your child.

Medically reviewed by a board-certified pediatrician

12-month milestones for your toddler

Thinking

Looks and listens simultaneously
Understands how to use many objects (cuddling a stuffed toy, shaking a rattle, putting a cup to their lips)
Understands that objects have names
Develops object permanence (looks for an object that’s hidden under a blanket knowing it hasn’t disappeared under there)
Has increasing attention span (up to 15 minutes)
Attracted to novelty (curious about new toys, objects)
Explores playthings in multiple ways (touches, bangs, drops)
Increasingly displays memory of recent events
Follows one-step commands, such as, “Lift your arm”

Moving

Can pick up small objects with fingers (pincer grasp)
Coordination for releasing objects from their grasp improves
Points and pokes with index finger
Develops self-feeding skills, although messily
Drinks from a cup with a spout or an open cup with support
May be able to put things into containers
Crawls quickly
Crawls up stairs
Pulls up to a standing position
May stand independently for brief periods
May cruise along furniture
May take first steps or even walk

Communicating

Uses gestures to communicate
Shakes head or frowns to express “no”; may respond to “no”
Holds out arms to be picked up
Recognizes and responds to many words
Responds to simple questions and one-step commands
Babbles in long groups of consonant-vowel sounds, like “tata upupup ba ba ba!”
Uses the cadence and verbal inflections of real conversation
May use “Mama” and “Dada” to refer specifically to parents
May say other early words

Understanding

Mimics expressions and sounds made by others
Imitates actions of others
Interested in watching older children
Interested in being around other babies, but doesn’t play with them yet
Watches for your reactions in various situations (to banging, laughing, etc.)
Shows stranger anxiety (shy around strangers)
Shows separation anxiety (cries or exhibits distress when you leave the room)
Increased affection with family
Waves goodbye

And those are the 12-month-old milestones for your toddler. Find out what exciting milestones are in store for year 2. Happy birthday, little one!

I soon realized that every baby is not cookie-cutter and cannot be exactly the same as someone else's baby. To each their own! – Enfamil® mom

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