12 months

Your baby has reached another milestone. They have turned 1 year old.

And now they are off…. this is a busy, busy time in your little ones development and a time you too need to be on our toes as they head off on theirs.

Some may start walking and others may teeter and totter before moving more freely on their feet.

Either way they are on their way and prefer more mobile time…to practice their new (or developing) skill.

They will be in one spot one minute and in another spot the next.

Your baby will have most likely tripled their birth weight.

At this age food is more a part of their diet although they will still have 3 milk feeds per day in combination with 3 solid meals and 2 snacks.

Milk is still a important element of their diet and nutrition. They may also be weaned onto cow’s milk at this age.

During this age they can learn to drink from a cup and bottles may being phased out.

Your 1 year old will still have 2 sleeps per day and will do until at least around the 14 month old mark.

Separation anxiety is rife in this age group. They will have had several episodes of separation anxiety already. This is natural as they have now developed such a strong bond with you.

• Can use words like mumma, dadda, no and up correctly.
• Uses gestures like waving.
• Moves to music.
• Uses one or two recognizable word sentences and babbles.
• Looks at books.
• Recognizes self in mirror.
• Will point to a body part on request.
• Expresses affection- will give kisses on request.
• Begins to show sense of humour.
• Is becoming more aware of independence.
• Can hold own drink and drink form cup by self.
• Co-operates when dressing.
• May refuse food by using gestures.
• Walks around furniture and will stand alone for a few moments and may try to take few steps.
• Will lower self back down to floor after holding onto furniture.
• Picks up objects with forefinger and thumb (fine motor skills developed).
• Has developed a hand preference.
• Plays alone but enjoys company.
• Will walk holding someone hand.
• Roll and retrieve a ball.
• Holds spoon and will attempt to feed self.
• Has developed firm attachment to primary caregiver.
• Drops objects and watches them fall- understands his actions and anticipates what’s going to happen.