Here's what you might see your baby doing
between 12 months and 15 months old.
Daily
Activities
- Usually follows a definite daily
pattern.
- Opens cabinets, pulls tablecloths.
- Usually examines an object before
putting into mouth.
- Likes to feed self.
Language Development
- Expresses complete thought with single
syllable ("da" means "I want that").
- Shows definite understanding of a few
simple words.
- Utters a few words ("mama", "dada",
"ball", "dog").
- Loves rhythms and rhymes.
Emotional and Behavioral Development
- Shows more negativism (may resist
naps, refuse certain foods, throw occasional tantrums).
- Continues to prefer people to toys.
- Has developed a deep attachment to a
few familiar people.
- Loves to make parents laugh.
- Shows somewhat less stranger anxiety.
- May give up something on request.
Motor Skills
- Usually walks with assistance; may
walk without assistance.
- Crawls rapidly.
- Stands alone.
- Seats self on floor.
Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe
exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's
development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and
physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide
spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal.
These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general
progression through the developmental stages rather than as
fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages.
It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some
milestones earlier and other milestones later than the
general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your
child's own pattern of development, check with your health
care provider.