Your toddler's developmental milestones at 1 year
Everything you need to know about your growing 1-year-old
Congratulations, you officially have a toddler! Toddlers are more active, curious and expressive. At this age, your child may begin to use words, be able to stand on her/his own and take a few steps. To help your little one learn and grow, read books to your child and encourage active play.
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Social and emotional milestones at 1 year
Some of the ways you’ll see your little one learning to connect with the people around him at 1 year:
- Hands you a book when he wants to hear a story.
- Cries when his parents leave.
- Is shy around strangers.
- He’ll put out an arm or leg to help with getting dressed.
- Has favourite toys.
- Repeats sounds to get your attention.
Tips for parents
- Play social games with him like hiding something and coaxing him to find it.
- Try to get him to help with getting dressed by asking him to put his leg out, stand up, etc.
Language and communication milestones at 1 year
How your toddler is expressing her needs:
- Is using basic gestures like waving and saying basic words like “mama” and “dada.”
- Her babbles sound more like speech.
- Responds to simple requests you give.
- She will try to repeat words you say.
Tips for parents
- Encourage your toddler to say ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye.’ Praise your toddler when they do so, as this can help their socio-emotional development.
- Praise your toddler when she repeats words or tries to speak with others.
- Prompt her to point to characters and objects when you’re reading to her.
Brain development milestones at 1 year
How your child’s brain is growing:
- He is copying movements and gestures.
- Bangs objects together.
- Drinks from a cup and uses other objects correctly.
- Finds things that are hidden.
- He looks at the right object when it is named.
- Can follow simple directions and lets go of objects without help.
- He puts objects in containers and can take them out.
Tips for parents
- Give support and guidance to your toddler when he’s playing a game.
- As you notice your toddler gaining skills and being able to do some things on his own, you can progressively reduce your support but still observe and guide him.
>>Discover learning activities for 1-year-olds
Movement and physical development milestones at 1 year
How she’ll move through her environment:
- Can take a few steps without support.
- Gets into a sitting position without support.
- Pulls up to stand and walks while holding onto furniture.
Tips for parents
- Try placing your toddler on flat surfaces to help her develop her gross motor skills like crawling and moving her arms and legs.
Food and nutrition milestones at 1 year
What mealtimes look like at 1 year:
- Eats a greater variety of foods, such as soft-cooked vegetables and soft fruits.
- He is starting to learn how to eat on his own.
- Can thoroughly chew his food.
- He is beginning to be able to use an open cup.
Tips for parents
- Give your toddler half a cup of food four to five times a day, along with two healthy snacks.
- Continue to breastfeed if he wants to.
Things to look out for
While all children develop differently, you should speak to your paediatrician if your 1-year-old:
- Isn’t crawling.
- Won't search for hidden objects.
- Is unable to stand without support.
- Doesn’t point.
- Doesn’t say simple words.
- Loses skills she once had.
