Your Baby’s Progress - Month 12
What’s Going on This Month?
Your Baby
- Loves to play with toys, pots and hard plastic spoons or play pat-a-cake and “peek-a-boo.”
- She may love rolling balls.
- Your baby may be able to stand alone, walk or squat down.
- She may obey simple commands such as “no” or “give it to me,” and bang two blocks held in her hands.
- Say “Mama” and “Dada” to her parents and imitate words.
- She will show you great affection, but may collapse in a tantrum when things don’t go her way.
- Likes to be the center of attention now.
- Your baby is learning to express themselves but may get frustrated and cry. Be patient and do not raise your voice with your baby.
Caring for Your Baby
- Between 12 and 18 months, your baby should get the following shots: Hib disease (Haemophilus influenzae type b), MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella), Chicken pox, Hepatitis A, and the Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV) vaccines.
- Be sure to clean your baby’s teeth and gums.
- Take your baby to her first dental visit.
Nutrition
- Talk to your baby’s doctor or nurse about switching from breast milk or formula to whole milk. If your baby is breastfed, you may want to continue nursing until you and the baby are ready to stop.
- Your baby will eat most of what the rest of the family eats—usually about a tablespoon of each food either chopped or mashed.
Growth and Development Activities
- Talk to your baby while working around the house so she can learn new words.
- Sing songs and read nursery rhymes.
- Show your baby pictures in books and magazines, pointing at objects and naming them.
- Show your baby how to stack large blocks.
- Play with puppets and have the puppets talk to your baby.
- Encourage your baby to walk without holding on.
- Play games with your baby such as pointing, tossing, placing and catching.
- At home, play hide-and-seek by hiding just behind a door, calling to your baby, then peeking out so you can be found. It helps your baby know when you disappear, you will come back.
This page last updated on 3/10/08.