12 months Baby Milestone Moments
Age: 12 months
About This Stage
By twelve months, your baby is growing into a curious, active little explorer. They're showing more independence, starting to communicate with purpose, and developing key physical skills that set the stage for toddlerhood. Every baby's journey is unique, but here are common milestones to look for around this age.
Social and Emotional Development
Your baby is developing social awareness and emotional connections.
- •Is shy or nervous with strangers
- •Cries when mom or dad leaves but feels comforted when they return
- •Has favorite things and people
- •Shows fear in some situations
- •Repeats sounds or actions to get attention
- •Helps with dressing by holding out an arm or leg
Language and Communication
Your baby is learning to communicate and understand language.
- •Responds to simple spoken requests like "come here"
- •Uses gestures, like shaking head "no" or waving "bye-bye"
- •Makes different sounds that sound more like real words
- •Says "mama," "dada," and exclamations like "uh-oh!"
- •Tries to repeat words you say
Cognitive Development
(Learning, Thinking, Problem-Solving)
Your baby is learning about the world through exploration and discovery.
- •Explores things in different ways, like shaking, banging, or throwing
- •Finds hidden things easily
- •Looks at the right picture or thing when it's named
- •Copies gestures and uses objects correctly (like drinking from a cup or brushing hair)
- •Starts to use items in pretend play
Movement and Physical Development
Your baby is gaining strength, coordination, and motor skills.
- •Gets to a sitting position without help
- •Pulls up to stand and may walk while holding furniture ("cruising")
- •May take a few steps without holding on
- •May stand alone for a few seconds
- •Uses thumb and pointer finger to pick up small items (pincer grasp)
Supporting Your Baby's Healthy Growth and Connection
- •Encourage your baby to move by placing toys slightly out of reach.
- •Talk, sing, and read together every day—use expressive voices and gestures to help your baby understand meaning.
- •Respond to your baby's gestures, words, and facial expressions to show communication goes both ways.
- •Offer praise and smiles when your baby learns or tries something new—it builds confidence and curiosity.
- •Give your baby safe spaces to explore freely, both indoors and outdoors.
- •Keep mealtime social—talk to your baby while they eat, and let them try feeding themselves with soft foods.
- •Maintain consistent routines for sleeping, playing, and eating to help your baby feel secure.
- •Avoid screen time; face-to-face interaction helps your baby learn best.
- •Never shake your baby; if you feel overwhelmed, place them in a safe space and take a few minutes to calm down.
- •Continue offering affection and cuddles—your baby still needs comfort and reassurance as they grow more independent.
Shop Age-Appropriate Toys
Find toys that support the developmental milestones your child is reaching
1st Year Toys
Find toys perfect for toddlers in their first year of walking
Choose toys that match your child's developmental stage for the best learning experience
Every Baby Develops at Their Own Pace
These milestones are general guidelines. If you have concerns about your baby's development, talk with your pediatrician. They can provide personalized guidance and support for your family.