Developmental Milestones - 1 Year Old
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At 1 years old, most children can:
Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Hold onto furniture to help them stand up or walk.
May be able to stand or walk unaided for a few seconds.
Is able to self-feed and can hold a cup with a little help.
Uses a pincer grip to pick small things up.
Is beginning to show a hand preference.
Are more mobile through crawling or shuffling.
Uses their index finger to point at things.
Language and Communication
Recognises their own name.
Uses intonation in their speech more.
Uses simple gestures like waving and shaking their head.
Babbles using a series of vowel sounds such as ma-ma and da-da.
Understands around 20 words when used in context, and is able to understand simple messages or instructions.
Tries to repeat the words you say.
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Intellectual
Known as ‘casting’, when they drop a toy they will watch it as it rolls away.
Explores things in a variety of ways.
Will recognise familiar people at 6 metres.
Beginning to use objects for their correct purpose, for example, a brush to brush hair.
Copies gestures they see.
Will look at the correct object or picture when it is named.
Puts things in and takes things out of a container or box.
Social and Emotional
Cries when their carer leaves and is shy or nervous around strangers, and exhibits fear in some situations.
Has favourite objects and people.
Will communicate their desire to listen to a story by handing you a book.
In order to get attention they will repeat sounds or actions.
More cooperative with dressing.
Enjoys games such as ‘peek-a-boo.’
Temper tantrums may begin at this age as they become more assertive and demanding.
Dislikes being told ‘no.’
Though still very much ego-centric, they can distinguish between themselves and others.
Is beginning to develop ‘object permanence’ whereby they realise that just because they cannot see a toy, for example, it does not mean it has ceased to exist.
Will play alone.
Understands simple commands.
Remember this is meant as a rough guide to where your child should be with their development, but if you are at all worried that they may be lagging behind in any area, or they lose a skill they previously had, you should always seek the advice of a health professional.
Source:
(Taken from book sample online)
Savory, L., Bulman, K., 25 August, 2006, BTEC First Children’s Care, Learning and Development - Understanding Children’s Development, 1st edition, Heinemann, accessed on: 21 August 2020, available at: (sample found at:) https://www.pearsonschoolsandfecolleges.co.uk/FEAndVocational/Childcare/BTEC/BTECFirstChildrensCareLearningandDevelop/Samples/SampleMaterial/UCD%20Unit%201.pdf
CDC – Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 9 June, 2020, CDC – Centre for Disease Control and Prevention - Milestones, accessed on: 21 August, 2020, available at: