As a pediatrician practicing in Bacolod, I often get asked by parents about what milestones their 1-year-old should be reaching. This is an exciting time of rapid development, and it’s natural to want to ensure your little one is thriving. This checklist provides a general overview of common milestones for 12-month-old babies. Remember, every child develops at their own pace, and some variation is normal. If you have any specific concerns, please don’t hesitate to consult with your pediatrician.
Gross Motor Skills for 1 year old:
- Stands independently for a few seconds: This is a big step towards walking!
- May take a few steps independently: Some babies at this age are already walking, while others are just starting to take a few tentative steps.
- Pulls to stand: If they’re not walking yet, they’re likely pulling themselves up to a standing position using furniture or other supports.
- Cruises along furniture: They can move around while holding onto furniture for support.
- May attempt to climb stairs (with assistance): This is a new and exciting challenge for them, but always supervise closely.
Fine Motor Skills for 1 year old:
- Pincer grasp: They can pick up small objects between their thumb and forefinger with a refined pincer grasp.
- Feeds self with fingers: They’re becoming more independent with feeding and can pick up small pieces of food and bring them to their mouth.
- Releases objects intentionally: They can now let go of objects purposefully, rather than just dropping them.
- Bang objects together: They enjoy exploring cause and effect by banging toys or other objects together.
- May start to use a sippy cup: They’re transitioning from bottles to sippy cups.
Language Development for 1 year old:
- Says “mama” and “dada” specifically: They understand these words refer to their parents.
- Uses single words: They may say other single words like “ball,” “dog,” or “no.”
- Imitates sounds: They try to mimic sounds they hear.
- Understands simple instructions: They can respond to simple commands like “give me the toy” or “wave bye-bye.”
- Points to objects when named: They can identify familiar objects when you name them.
Cognitive Development for 1 year old:
- Explores objects in different ways: They examine toys by touching, banging, and mouthing them.
- Finds hidden objects: They understand object permanence and can look for a toy you’ve hidden, even if they don’t see you hide it.
- Imitates actions: They copy gestures or actions they see you perform.
- Begins to understand cause and effect: They realize that their actions have consequences.
- Shows interest in picture books: They enjoy looking at pictures and listening to you name objects.
Social and Emotional Development for 1 year old:
- Waves bye-bye: This is a common social gesture at this age.
- Plays peek-a-boo: They enjoy this interactive game.
- Shows stranger anxiety: They may be wary of unfamiliar people.
- Cries when parents leave: Separation anxiety is common at this age.
- Imitates facial expressions: They mimic your expressions, showing developing social awareness.
Important Considerations for Bacolod Parents:
- Environment: Provide a safe and stimulating environment for your baby to explore and learn.
- Interaction: Engage with your baby through play, talking, reading, and singing.
- Nutrition: Continue to offer a variety of healthy foods to support their growth and development.
- Sleep: Ensure your baby is getting enough sleep. Sleep needs vary, but most 1-year-olds still need around 10-14 hours of sleep per day, including naps.
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your pediatrician in Bacolod to monitor your baby’s development and address any concerns.
When to Consult Your Pediatrician:
While variations in development are normal, it’s important to consult your pediatrician if you notice any significant delays in any of these areas:
- Not bearing weight on legs when supported.
- Not using single words.
- Not showing interest in interacting with others.
- Not responding to their name.
Remember, this checklist is a general guideline. Each child is unique, and their development journey is their own. Enjoy this special time and celebrate all their milestones, big and small! If you have any questions or concerns, your pediatrician in Bacolod is your best resource for personalized advice and support.
