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.

 

Child’s 1 year to 15 months milestoneCognitive

  • 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)