5 Developmental Milestones Your Baby Should Hit by 12 Months

Your baby’s first year is filled with remarkable growth and change. From their first smile to their first steps, every milestone is a sign that your child’s brain and body are developing as they should. While every baby develops at their own pace, understanding the typical milestones can help you celebrate progress and know when to seek guidance.

1. Sitting Up Independently

Most babies can sit without support by around six to eight months. This milestone frees up their hands for exploring objects, which supports cognitive and fine motor development. At Kiddie Academy, our infant program includes supervised floor time and tummy time activities that build the core strength needed for sitting.

2. Babbling and First Words

By 12 months, many babies are babbling with purpose and may say their first recognizable word like “mama” or “dada.” Language development at this stage is heavily influenced by how much adults talk to, read to, and sing with the baby. Our educators incorporate songs, storytime, and responsive conversation throughout the day to encourage language skills.

3. Crawling or Moving Independently

Between eight and twelve months, most babies begin crawling, scooting, or pulling themselves up on furniture. Some skip crawling entirely and go straight to cruising or walking. What matters most is that your baby is motivated to move and explore. Our classrooms are designed to be safe, stimulating spaces that encourage movement and exploration.

4. Developing a Pincer Grasp

The pincer grasp — picking up small objects between the thumb and forefinger — usually emerges around nine to twelve months. This fine motor skill is a precursor to self-feeding, drawing, and eventually writing. We support this development through sensory activities and age-appropriate manipulatives that give babies opportunities to practice.

5. Showing Social and Emotional Awareness

By their first birthday, babies typically show preferences for familiar people, may experience stranger anxiety, and begin to understand simple emotions. They might wave goodbye, clap, or look to a caregiver for reassurance. These social-emotional skills are at the heart of our Life Essentials® curriculum, which builds connection and confidence from infancy.

If you have questions about your baby’s development, your pediatrician is always a great resource. And if you are looking for a childcare environment that actively supports these milestones, we encourage you to visit Kiddie Academy to learn more about our infant program.