Key Developmental Milestones for Your 1-Year-Old

When your child reaches the age of 1 year, they enter an exciting stage of development filled with new abilities and skills. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect:

1. Physical Development

• Walking: Many children begin to walk around this age. Some might take their first steps, while others may still prefer crawling.
• Fine Motor Skills: They will begin to pick up small objects using their thumb and forefinger, known as the pincer grasp.
• Climbing: As they grow stronger, they might try climbing furniture or going up stairs, so be sure to supervise them closely.

2. Cognitive Development

• Exploration: Your child will be curious and want to explore their surroundings. This is a great time to provide safe toys and activities.
• Problem Solving: They may start to figure out how to use objects, such as shaking a toy to make noise.
• Imitation: One-year-olds learn by watching. They might try to imitate your actions, like talking on a phone or brushing their hair.

3. Emotional and Social Development

• Separation Anxiety: It’s common for one-year-olds to experience anxiety when separated from caregivers.
• Expressing Feelings: They might show happiness, frustration, or even anger through their actions and facial expressions.
• Interaction: They may start showing interest in playing alongside other children, though parallel play is more common.

As your child continues to grow, remember that every child develops at their own pace. If you have concerns about your child’s development, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for guidance.