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
Review Date:12/4/2006
Reviewed By: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.