Definition
The typical 12-month-old child will demonstrate certain physical and mental skills. These skills are called developmental milestones.
Alternative Names
Normal childhood growth milestones - 12 months; Growth milestones for children - 12 months; Childhood growth milestones - 12 months
Information
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
- 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
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