Developmental Milestones For 9-12 Months Old

Baby develops the fastest from birth to 1 year old. These changes take place across various domains of development i.e.

  1. Cognitive
  2. Physical (Fine and Gross Motor)
  3. Socio-emotional and
  4. Language.

Most children follow a certain pattern of growth and development or achieve certain skills/abilities at a particular stage in development. These are called developmental milestones. However, it is important to note that every child grows and develops at their own pace, and might achieve a few milestones faster or slower than usual. If you feel concerned about your child not achieving a milestone, contact your pediatrician or speak to our expert.

Did you know?

90% of a child’s brain development happens by the age of 6?

Cognitive Development:

  • Is highly curious and explores objects in different ways (e.g. touching, shaking, banging, pushing, throwing, dropping, etc.)
  • Imitates gestures/actions.
  • Begins to use objects correctly (e.g. drinking from a glass, brushing teeth, using a phone).
  • Observes the path of an object as it falls.
  • Plays peek-a-boo.
  • Recognizes familiar people, objects or pictures in books (e.g. may point to a cat when asked “Where is the cat?”). 
  • Becomes more aware of themself as a separate being.
  • Might point to a few body parts, when asked.
  • Starts developing problem-solving abilities (e.g. uses a stick to drag a toy).
  • Experiments with action and reaction eg- opens and closes the door, window.
  • Shows signs of better memory (e.g. remembering details of something done a few minutes before).

Physical Development:

  • Gets into a sitting position without help.
  • Crawls or bum shuffles easily.
  • Uses support (e.g. furniture) to pull themself up to stand. 
  • Might begin to stand on their own without support (by 12 months).
  • Begins to cruise – walking while holding onto furniture or an adult’s hands.
  • Might take two or three steps without support.
  • Might begin to climb stairs or furniture.
  • Can sit back down from standing position.
  • Puts in and takes out objects from a container.
  • Uses pincer grip (using tips of the thumb and first finger) to picks up small items (e.g. cereal, beads, etc.).
  • Moves things smoothly from one hand to the other. 
  • Uses both hands separately (e.g. picks up a block with one and a toy with the other). 
  • Voluntary release is more refined (e.g. can put objects into a box). Might still find it difficult to put things into small containers).
  • Turns pages in a book (many at a time).
  • New teeth keep emerging; they may have 4-6 teeth by the time they turn 1.

Socio-emotional Development:

  • Shows preference for things or people (e.g. May have a favourite toy).
  • Might still show signs of stranger- or separation- anxiety (e.g. might cry when a parent leaves).
  • Engages in imitation/copy play (imitates people).
  • Continues to prefer mother and/or regular caregiver over others.
  • Displays more emotions like affection, anger, frustration, joy or fear (e.g. might give hugs/kisses/cuddles to show affection).
  • Becomes a little cooperative while changing/dressing (e.g. holds out arms to help when being dressed).
  • Observes parents’ responses to their behaviour during feeding and/or play.
  • Enjoys playing games with and showing toys to familiar adults. 
  • Begins to show guilt if they do something wrong.
  • Tries to do things that will please people especially parents; tries to avoid disapproval.

Language Development:

  • Pays more attention to speech.
  • Looks at a person who calls their name.
  • Begins to understand simple questions or instructions
  • (e.g., “Where is the ball?” “Put the ball down”).
  • Communicates using simple gestures (e.g. shaking head for “no”; waving “bye-bye”).
  • Tries to talk/communicate by combining sounds together (e.g. dada abee dama).
  • Engages in conversation-like communication with parents/adults (e.g. takes turns making sounds with an adult).
  • Uses exclamations such as “uh-oh!” 
  • Shows an interest in simple picture books.
  • Might begin to says “da-da” and “ma-ma” (knowing who they are).

Feeding and Sleeping Information:

  • Shows interest/disinterest in foods (e.g. keeping the mouth open/closed or turning away).
  • Swallows semi-solid foods.
  • Feeds themself finger-foods e.g. carrot sticks or banana slices.
  • Drinks from a cup with a handle on their own.
  • Sleeps for up to 12 hours at night without feeding (takes about two naps during the day).

Did you know?

Research reveals that – every $1 invested in an early childhood program can yield $4-$16 in returns.

Helps your child achieve the above milestones through simple at home activities for 9 to 12 months old. Subscribe to Jyppzer Kids Plan Today!

Baby develops the fastest from birth to 1 year old. These changes take place across various domains of development i.e.

  1. Cognitive
  2. Physical (Fine and Gross Motor)
  3. Socio-emotional and
  4. Language.

Most children follow a certain pattern of growth and development or achieve certain skills/abilities at a particular stage in development. These are called developmental milestones. However, it is important to note that every child grows and develops at their own pace, and might achieve a few milestones faster or slower than usual. If you feel concerned about your child not achieving a milestone, contact your pediatrician or speak to our expert.

Did you know?

90% of a child’s brain development happens by the age of 6?

Cognitive Development:

  • Is highly curious and explores objects in different ways (e.g. touching, shaking, banging, pushing, throwing, dropping, etc.)
  • Imitates gestures/actions.
  • Begins to use objects correctly (e.g. drinking from a glass, brushing teeth, using a phone).
  • Observes the path of an object as it falls.
  • Plays peek-a-boo.
  • Recognizes familiar people, objects or pictures in books (e.g. may point to a cat when asked “Where is the cat?”). 
  • Becomes more aware of themself as a separate being.
  • Might point to a few body parts, when asked.
  • Starts developing problem-solving abilities (e.g. uses a stick to drag a toy).
  • Experiments with action and reaction eg- opens and closes the door, window.
  • Shows signs of better memory (e.g. remembering details of something done a few minutes before).

Physical Development:

  • Gets into a sitting position without help.
  • Crawls or bum shuffles easily.
  • Uses support (e.g. furniture) to pull themself up to stand. 
  • Might begin to stand on their own without support (by 12 months).
  • Begins to cruise – walking while holding onto furniture or an adult’s hands.
  • Might take two or three steps without support.
  • Might begin to climb stairs or furniture.
  • Can sit back down from standing position.
  • Puts in and takes out objects from a container.
  • Uses pincer grip (using tips of the thumb and first finger) to picks up small items (e.g. cereal, beads, etc.).
  • Moves things smoothly from one hand to the other. 
  • Uses both hands separately (e.g. picks up a block with one and a toy with the other). 
  • Voluntary release is more refined (e.g. can put objects into a box). Might still find it difficult to put things into small containers).
  • Turns pages in a book (many at a time).
  • New teeth keep emerging; they may have 4-6 teeth by the time they turn 1.

Socio-emotional Development:

  • Shows preference for things or people (e.g. May have a favourite toy).
  • Might still show signs of stranger- or separation- anxiety (e.g. might cry when a parent leaves).
  • Engages in imitation/copy play (imitates people).
  • Continues to prefer mother and/or regular caregiver over others.
  • Displays more emotions like affection, anger, frustration, joy or fear (e.g. might give hugs/kisses/cuddles to show affection).
  • Becomes a little cooperative while changing/dressing (e.g. holds out arms to help when being dressed).
  • Observes parents’ responses to their behaviour during feeding and/or play.
  • Enjoys playing games with and showing toys to familiar adults. 
  • Begins to show guilt if they do something wrong.
  • Tries to do things that will please people especially parents; tries to avoid disapproval.

Language Development:

  • Pays more attention to speech.
  • Looks at a person who calls their name.
  • Begins to understand simple questions or instructions
  • (e.g., “Where is the ball?” “Put the ball down”).
  • Communicates using simple gestures (e.g. shaking head for “no”; waving “bye-bye”).
  • Tries to talk/communicate by combining sounds together (e.g. dada abee dama).
  • Engages in conversation-like communication with parents/adults (e.g. takes turns making sounds with an adult).
  • Uses exclamations such as “uh-oh!” 
  • Shows an interest in simple picture books.
  • Might begin to says “da-da” and “ma-ma” (knowing who they are).

Feeding and Sleeping Information:

  • Shows interest/disinterest in foods (e.g. keeping the mouth open/closed or turning away).
  • Swallows semi-solid foods.
  • Feeds themself finger-foods e.g. carrot sticks or banana slices.
  • Drinks from a cup with a handle on their own.
  • Sleeps for up to 12 hours at night without feeding (takes about two naps during the day).

Did you know?

Research reveals that – every $1 invested in an early childhood program can yield $4-$16 in returns.

Helps your child achieve the above milestones through simple at home activities for 9 to 12 months old. Subscribe to Jyppzer Kids Plan Today!

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