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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.

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 (although it may be present in children up to age 2)
• 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:12/27/2007
Reviewed By:David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (12/4/2006).

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