Milestones: 13-Month-Old Development

My Toddler’s Milestones

Try not to blink, or you might miss it, that’s how fast it happens, and that’s how quickly our little ones grow and develop. Milestones are those developmental signs we watch out for to make sure our child is growing and developing within the general guidelines for their age.

Hence, it’s been thirteen whole months, and my Ariah is now walking, reaching, poking, pointing, and trying her best to complete full sentences. Well, at least that’s what it sounds like she’s saying.

Since she is the youngest of my crew, she’s a walking talking sponge soaking up every word and the world around her. She’s open to a friendly stare from a stranger she still in her stranger danger stage. Which in this stage is entirely appropriate and appreciated.

Playtime with her siblings is fun and entertaining even though Ariah thinks almost every toy belongs to her but so does Kaliyah my two-year-old. She dances to practically every song with a beat, and her curiosity is in full effect.

For instance, it was only a few days ago, and Ariah was chasing her shadow. Yes, and it was the cutest thing. She followed it, ran after it, and tried to pick it up off the floor. So funny and adorable, I’m not bragging, OK maybe I’m bragging just a little.

I’ve given a brief update on my Ariah which I could go on and on about her. But I’m not alone with this since I think every parent could undoubtedly talk about their kiddos all day long. Let me share with you some milestone checkpoints to look out for with your toddler. Also, I have a link below where you can print out and keep a personal milestone guide.

General Milestones: 12-Month-Old

Physical:

Walking
Standing alone
Sit-ups alone
Grabs favorite toys
Reach for and hold toys

Cognitive:

Plays peek-a-boo
Search for hidden items (i.e., such as toys or favorite blanket)
Uses imagination (i. e., play make-believe or pretend play)

Language:

Says one to two words
Says “mama” and “dada.”
Tries to repeat words
Recognize family names,and familiar objects.

Social Milestones:

Shows an increase in independence.
Playing with other children
Imitates behavior of others (i.e., siblings and familiar adults)
Separation anxiety especially from parents.

Conclusion

In brief, from the moment they’re born, and we bring them home, they continue to bless us with their gentle warm spirits.

Seemingly they grow so fast and before we know it they’re all grown up. Milestones are great ways to mark those moments of growth and development.

Hence, children are different in many ways, so each child develops on their own. Thus I’m not a doctor and if you have any concerns about your child’s development, be sure to speak with your child’s pediatrician.