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Stepping into new adventures: Your 12-month-old!
Toddler · Week 13
For you
- 💛If you need a break away from your child, ask another trusted adult to take over supervision first. If no one can take over, stay nearby and keep watching your child while you pause and breathe.
- 🏠Check the home from floor level: secure heavy furniture to the wall, fit suitable stair gates, keep cords out of reach and move sharp or small objects away from play areas.
- 👟When heading out, consider comfortable, flexible footwear for your child, or keep them barefoot while indoors to help them better grip the floor. Keep in mind that development varies; if you have any concerns about their movement or notice them losing a skill they previously had, please consult your health visitor or doctor.
For your baby
- 🧸Many children at 12 months are becoming more interested in walking, whether they are cruising along furniture or taking their first independent steps. Celebrate these efforts by providing a clear, open space for them to practice their balance and coordination.
- 🧩For a practical play idea, try a 'treasure hunt' using large, soft building blocks or sturdy board books placed around a room. This encourages your child to move safely between objects while engaging their curiosity without the use of any small or loose items.
- 🔍Your child is likely eager to explore their environment, often wanting to touch and inspect everything they reach. Stay close to offer a steadying hand or to gently redirect them toward safe toys if they head toward something that isn't child-friendly.
💡 Fun Fact
At 12 months, many toddlers begin to develop a stronger sense of object permanence, meaning they understand that objects and people continue to exist even when they are hidden from view.
🏆 Milestones
At 12 months, your child may be starting to stand with support, cruise along furniture, or take tentative first steps. Communication is expanding as they learn to follow simple gestures or point to things that interest them. Always remember that development is unique to every child; if you ever feel worried about their progress, reach out to your health visitor or doctor promptly.