Reaching Milestones: 1 Year to 15 Months

All child have their own timetable, but you can watch for certain developments in your 1-year-old. Celebrate with your child as he reaches or nears these milestones.

Cognitive

• Begins to have a sense of time (nap after lunch, bath before bed)
• Actively explores objects by touching and moving (shaking, banging, throwing)
• Has a good understanding of object permanence (things he can’t see are still there)
• Searches for hidden items; puts things in and takes them out of containers
• Continues to explore and gain an understanding of the proper use of objects (sweeping with a broom, pointing a remote at the TV)
• Begins to enjoy pretend play, especially of everyday activities, like pretending to sleep or eat
• Can follow a simple command (“Give me the spoon”)
• Points to objects you name (his nose, a picture of a cat in a book)

Motor

• Pulls self to standing
  Stands upright unsupported, at least briefly
• Cruises using furniture for support (takes steps while holding on)
• May even walk fairly well
• Climbs up stairs; scoots down
  Claps hands
• Drinks from a cup
• Feeds self with hands
• Waves
• May be able to pick up a small object with good accuracy
• Still releases objects from hands without much control
• May scribble with a fat crayon

Communication

• Uses at least one to two words around first birthday
• Understands around 70 words by first birthday
• Uses an average of 10 words by 15 months
• May have larger vocabulary (varies widely)
• Responds to questions and requests (“Want more?” “Come here.”)
• May show interest in picture books (connecting words and images)

Social

• Cries or becomes upset when parent leaves
• Begins to show fear in some situations
• May alternately cling to and pull away from you
• May show preference for one particular transitional object (such as a blanket) for comfort
• Shows preferences for certain people and things
• Beginning to understand he’s a separate person from you with his own preferences, feelings, and ideas
• May say “no” to express frustration
• May show empathy (for example, patting your back when you’re upset)
• Prefers parallel play (playing next to, rather than with, another child)