1-Year-Old Baby Milestones

Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. By 1 year, most babies play games with you like pat-a-cake, wave "bye-bye," pull up to stand, and pick up small things between their thumb and pointer finger. This checklist is based on the CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestone checklists (February 2022 revision). See the official CDC resources.

Important: These checklists are educational and for self-reflection only. They are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools and are not a diagnostic instrument. If your child is not meeting milestones, has lost skills, or you have other concerns, talk with your child's doctor and ask about developmental screening.

What Most Babies Do by 1 Year

Social/Emotional Milestones

  • Plays games with you, like pat-a-cake

Language/Communication Milestones

  • Waves "bye-bye"
  • Calls a parent "mama" or "dada" or another special name
  • Understands "no" (pauses briefly or stops when you say it)

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

  • Puts something in a container, like a block in a cup
  • Looks for things he sees you hide, like a toy under a blanket

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

  • Pulls up to stand
  • Walks, holding on to furniture
  • Drinks from a cup without a lid, as you hold it
  • Picks things up between thumb and pointer finger, like small bits of food

Tips and Activities — What You Can Do for Your 1-Year-Old

As your baby's first teacher, you can help his or her learning and brain development. Try these simple tips and activities in a safe way. Talk with your baby's doctor and teachers if you have questions or for more ideas on how to help your baby's development.

  • Teach your baby "wanted behaviors." Show her what to do and use positive words or give her hugs and kisses when she does it. For example, if she pulls your pet's tail, teach her how to pet gently and give her a hug when she does it.
  • Talk or sing to your baby about what you're doing. For example, "Mommy is washing your hands" or sing, "This is the way we wash our hands."
  • Build on what your baby tries to say. If he says "ta," say "Yes, a truck," or if he says "truck," say "Yes, that's a big, blue truck."

More Parenting Tips and Activities

  • Redirect your baby quickly and consistently by giving her a toy or moving her if she is getting into things you don't want her to get into. Save "no" for behaviors that are dangerous. When you say "no," say it firmly. Do not spank, yell, or give her long explanations.
  • Give your baby safe places to explore. Baby-proof your home. For example, move sharp or breakable things out of reach. Lock away medicines, chemicals, and cleaning products. Save the Poison Help Line number, 800-222-1222, in all phones.
  • Respond with words when your baby points. Babies point to ask for things. For example, say "You want the cup? Here is the cup. It's your cup." If he tries to say "cup," celebrate his attempt.
  • Point to interesting things you see, such as a truck, bus, or animals. This will help your baby pay attention to what others are "showing" him through pointing.
  • Limit screen time (TV, tablets, phones, etc.) to video calling with loved ones. Screen time is not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age. Babies learn by talking, playing, and interacting with others.
  • Give your baby water, breast milk, or plain milk. You don't need to give your baby juice, but if you do, give 4 ounces or less a day of 100% fruit juice. Do not give your baby other sugary beverages, such as fruit drinks, soda, sports drinks, or flavored milks.
  • Help your baby get used to foods with different tastes and textures. Foods can be smooth, mashed, or finely chopped. Your baby might not like every food on the first try. Give your baby a chance to try foods again and again.
  • Give your baby time to get to know a new caregiver. Bring a favorite toy, stuffed animal, or blanket to help comfort your baby.
  • Give your baby pots and pans or a small musical instrument like a drum or cymbals. Encourage your baby to make noise.
  • Find out about foods that are choking risks. Let your baby practice feeding himself safe foods with his fingers and using a cup with a small amount of water. Sit next to your baby and enjoy mealtime together. Expect spills. Learning is messy and fun!
  • Make sure your baby gets enough sleep: 4- to 12-month-olds need 12 to 16 hours of sleep a day (including naps). Consistent sleep times make it easier!
  • "Read" books with your baby. Reading can be talking about pictures. Babies this age like books with things they can feel or flaps they can lift.
  • Play together with blocks and other toys that encourage your baby to use her hands.
  • Babies learn to calm themselves from caregivers who are calm and make them feel safe. Help your baby learn she can calm down by talking softly, holding, rocking, or singing to her. Let her suck on her fingers or a pacifier.
  • Let your baby push things around, such as empty boxes, a "kiddie chair," or "push toys," so he can practice walking.
  • Encourage your baby to practice walking on her own. Baby walkers are not recommended. Let her hold your hands or hold onto furniture that is safe.

When to Share Concerns

You know your child best — don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns:

  • Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.
  • If you or the doctor are still concerned, ask for a referral to a specialist, and contact your state or territory's early intervention program (U.S.) or a local child development professional.

Related Reading

References

Last updated: 2026-10-20

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