Conversations about a child’s first birthday often bring up questions about first words, standing, pointing and play. This one-year-old developmental milestones printable gives parents, foster carers, health visitors and early years practitioners a clear snapshot of skills many babies and toddlers are beginning to show at around 12 months.
Designed to support everyday observation of early childhood development, this colourful one-page milestone chart groups common 12-month skills into communicating, thinking and learning, social and emotional development, hands and fingers, and moving.
The communication section covers waving bye-bye, using familiar names such as “mama” or “dada”, understanding simple words, reaching or pointing, and copying sounds. Thinking and learning examples include looking for hidden objects, putting items into containers, exploring toys in different ways, copying actions and enjoying games such as peek-a-boo.
Social and emotional milestones include enjoying familiar people, showing affection, seeking comfort and watching others. Fine motor skills cover picking up small items with thumb and finger, holding toys, pointing with an index finger, dropping objects and using fingers to self-feed. Movement prompts include sitting unsupported, getting into sitting, pulling up to stand, cruising along furniture and possibly taking independent steps.
Parents of one-year-olds, kinship carers and professionals running baby development or parenting sessions can print the chart for discussion, home visits or milestone check-ins. It also notes that children develop at different rates and advises seeking advice from a doctor or child development professional where there are concerns or a child has lost previously acquired skills.
