Search for specific topic by selecting first letters:

Developmental milestones record - 12 months

Definition

The typical 12-month-old child will demonstrate certain physical and mental skills. These skills are called developmental milestones.

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
  • Walk independently or with the support of one hand
  • Sit down without help
  • Try to build a tower out of 2 blocks
  • Turn through pages of a book by flipping many at a time

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 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
  • 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:
    • Go to the mall (people)
    • Go to the zoo (animals)
  • 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

Page Content:

Normal childhood growth milestones - 12 months; Growth milestones for children - 12 months; Childhood growth milestones - 12 months