Your child will undergo the remarkable transformation from infant to toddler at the age of one. Everything is new and exciting at this stage when your child can get around independently and explore cause-and-effect activities like opening and shutting doors.
Here are some typical milestones you may see in your 12 - 18 month old:
Language & Cognitive Development
- Points to their eyes, ears and nose
- Understands simple sentences and instructions
- Vocabulary grows rapidly from a few words to dozens
- Can hold a book and identify objects in the book with the Correct Starting Sound
- Recognizes and enjoys familiar sequences of events such as dinner, bathtime, storytime and bedtime
Physical & Motor Development
- Walks independently but with lots of tripping and falling
- Climbs stairs
- Eats with a spoon or fork
- Fills and empties containers, or stacks nested pots or bowls
- Plays with toys that can be pushed or pulled while walking
- Responds to music by bouncing or dancing
Social & Emotional Development
- Imitates adult actions such as talking on the phone, stirring a pot or watering flowers
- Recognizes him or herself in the mirror
- Plays interactive games
- Experiences separation and stranger anxiety
Remember your child is a wonderful, unique individual and may not exhibit every one of these milestones. A wide range of behaviors is considered normal and some children will demonstrate certain abilities earlier or later than this schedule. Should you have any concerns about your child’s progress, please ask your pediatrician or family physician.
