12 to 18 Months
Please note: all babies develop at their own pace, this information should just be used as a general guide.

Physical: She is on the move all the time, and becoming more independent. She is beginning to toddle, walk on her own, and tries to climb stairs. She is sitting in a chair, throwing objects, and likes to carry things from place to place. She is stacking rings and blocks and picking up smaller objects using her finger and thumb. She likes to put things in and out of containers. She enjoys switching toys from one hand to the other. Language: He understands many, many words, and creates long babbled sentences. You can help him learn new words by labeling things around him. He definitely knows what he wants and will shake his head and say "No" loud and clear. A favorite song is "Old MacDonald" because he likes to hear and try to make the sounds of the different animals.

Cognitive: She is learning to put objects together and to use objects as tools. She tries to build with blocks. She likes to imitate physical actions like blowing kisses and waving bye-bye. She can identify one or more body parts. She is very curious about new things, but takes comfort in a familiar and consistent schedule. She has a great deal of interest in watching other children.

Social/Emotional: He is showing a range of emotions such as pleasure, happiness, anger, or frustration and is expressing negative feelings about objects and people. He has a real sense of humor and belly laughs at funny faces, sounds, and activities. He enjoys being with other children but does not know how to share toys. He likes to look at himself in the mirror and smiles when he sees himself.

Playing with Your Baby: Your toddler's language is developing very quickly. Talk about what you are doing together. Sing songs and play games that involve his whole body. Show him photographs of favorite people, pets, foods, and toys, name them, and tell stories about them. Play Hide and Seek by putting favorite toys under a blanket. Provide playtime with other young children. Although they may not play "together", they will enjoy playing next to each other. Praise your toddler for all of the wonderful things that he does.

Reading to Your Baby: Your toddler enjoys sitting in your lap, looking at picture books, and listening to stories. Books with repeated lines in stories and rhymes will let your toddler hear familiar words. Look at pictures together and encourage your toddler to repeat simple words. Have fun with interactive books such as pop-up books or books that have flaps that hide pictures. Reading together is helping your baby develop a life-long enjoyment of books and reading.

Suggested Developmental Toys follow: