Your baby has turned one! Your baby is 1! Your little one was born a year ago, and much has changed. You may feel as if it was only yesterday that you were decoding those newborn cries, and attending to their needs while also taking care of your own. Your toddler may be using gestures, signs, words, and even gestures to communicate with your. He or she might even be practicing their first steps. This is a very exciting time. Congrats, mama.
What else can you expect in the month of September?
Baby milestones at 12 months old
Sensory activities for 12 month-olds
- Crayon Time
They’re old enough to use crayons for coloring rather than tasting them. But don’t worry, crayons are not toxic so they can eat a few. Your child can scribble, make lines and name colors on the page while creating fun artwork. - Counting pasta
Set a few noodles on the tray of your baby’s highchair after they have cooled. As they move around the tray, help them count all of the shapes. This will also improve their pincer grip. - Bubble party
Bubble play is even more fun now that your child has a little more mobility. Show them how they can blow air into the wand and purse their lips. Let them feel the joy of popping the iridescent orbs. Can they balance themselves and take a small step to reach the big bubble?
Related: How many hours of sleep should a baby aged 12 months get?
12 month olds: Developmental activities
- Book Lift-the flap
It’s easier and more enjoyable for your child to lift up flaps or turn pages of a board book now that they can use their pincer grip. They can lift flaps and turn pages in a boardbook. You can ask them to find the ball, or the place where the bear is hidden. Then wait for their unbridled delight when they do. - Puzzle mania
Now that your child is learning about colors, shapes and hand-eye co-ordination, wooden puzzles are a great way to keep them entertained. You can help them put the pieces back together, rotating the pieces if needed, and encouraging them when they have filled all the gaps. - Sing-along
Songs that combine music with gestures, such as “Pat-a-Cake”, “Open, Shut Them”, and “Pat-a-Cake”, encourage your child to be active in music and movement. They can also add new gestures to their growing repertoire. Create a playlist to sing along with in the morning.
Coloring pages for Happy Birthday are more enjoyable than cake
What to do with your 12-month-old
Week 1: Nature Walk
You can go on a hunt for leaves, cloud-watching, pine-cone collecting, or casual bird watching. Participating and narrating! These simple pleasures help your child to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty.
Week 2: Dress up play
Fill a small basket or box with some hats and scarves you don’t wear often, or accessories like sunglasses, or clothing that you seldom use to create a dressing-up bin for baby. A costume can get you and your baby in the mood for pretend play.
Please bring back the old-fashioned birthday party.
Week 3: Make Mini Shakers
Fill an empty bottle with dried grains, rice or beans and glue the cap. You can make two and have a set of shakers for your little ones to use at the next dance party.
Week 4: Sticker Fun
You might have to help your child peel the sticker off its backing but they will love sticking their favorite characters onto a piece of paper, or any other surface. Use their sticker skills to create cards that are signed with love for holidays and birthdays.