What To Expect: Twelfth Month

Our pediatrician gave us an informational booklet when our first son was born that we found very helpful. The most interesting section of the booklet for us as new parents was learning what to expect from our baby each month of life. If you’re anything like us, you can’t wait for them to smile, eat their first peas, say their first word, sit up, crawl, etc. The following is a little guide on what you can expect month to month.

Twelfth Month:

Babies can move around more easily now.  They may be able to climb up and down stairs.  Walking ability varies.  Some babies may walk with one hand held, or they may not start taking steps for another few months, simply because they are not ready.

At this time, babies may be repeating familiar sounds.  They may try to attract attention by squealing or by crying.  They may talk to their mirror image, sometimes offering a toy.  Babies may say 1 or 2 simple words such as “dada” or “mama” (usually only understandable to the parents) and be able to shake their head “no”.  They enjoy simple tricks and games, particularly being chased while they creep at top speed.  No baby likes to have a toy taken away, including babies at this age.

Babies may want to stand up while being fed.  At other times, they show no interest at all in eating – they would rather play.  They also may show definite likes and dislikes for particular foods, and sometimes want to choose what to eat.

As babies develop, their needs for both independence and dependence may be at odds at times, causing them to move rapidly from cooperation to resistance.

Source: Caring For Your New Baby – Centennial Pediatrics

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