Babies grow at their own pace — this covers around 12 months.

Your baby this month

By 12 months, most babies can pull themselves up to stand.

Most babies this age wave 'bye-bye'.

You this month

Babyproofing helps now. Cover outlets and use stair gates. Anchor heavy furniture too.

Simple play like shape sorters, push toys, and big crayons all suit this age.

Your baby at 14 months

Milestones and care guidance below are for around 12 months, the nearest CDC checkpoint.

Typical milestones (a guide, not a test)

Cognitive (learning/thinking)

  • Puts something in a container, like a block in a cupCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Looks for things he sees you hide, like a toy under a blanketCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Language & Communication

  • Waves "bye-bye"CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Calls a parent "mama" or "dada" or another special nameCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Understands "no" (pauses briefly or stops when you say it)CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Movement & Physical

  • Pulls up to standCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Walks, holding on to furnitureCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Drinks from a cup without a lid, as you hold itCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Picks things up between thumb and pointer finger, like small bits of foodCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Social & Emotional

  • Plays games with you, like pat-a-cakeCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Feeding

  • Avoid whole nuts, whole grapes, popcorn, hard raw vegetables, chunks of meat/cheese (choking). — modify texture <4 years
  • Avoid honey before 12 months — risk of infant botulism. — AVOID <12 months
  • Do not give cow's milk as the main drink before 12 months (poor iron, renal load). — AVOID as main drink <12 months
  • Family foods + continued breastfeeding — Full family diet (appropriately textured). Cow's milk can become a drink after 12 months. Continue breastfeeding to 2 years and beyond.
  • Introduce common allergens (peanut, egg) from ~6 months in age-appropriate form — early introduction reduces allergy risk (LEAP/EAT). — INTRODUCE from ~6 months
  • Avoid added salt and sugar in the first year. — AVOID first year
  • Finger foods & self-feeding — Encourage self-feeding with soft finger foods. Family foods (chopped, no added salt/sugar).

Play & bonding

Keeping baby safe

  • Babyproof: cover outlets, secure cabinets/heavy furniture (anchor to wall), use stair gates., Poison: store medicines, cleaners, and detergents locked and out of reach; keep Poison Control number handy., Choking: avoid whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, hard candy; cut foods small., Water: fence pools; supervise near any water at all times., Car seat: rear-facing until at least age 2 (or seat max).
  • Safe sleep: place baby on the BACK on a firm flat surface; no soft bedding, pillows, bumpers, or loose blankets (reduces SIDS)., Car seat: rear-facing in the back seat., Choking: keep small objects and small/round foods away; supervise feeding., Water: never leave a baby alone in the bath, even for a moment., No baby walkers (fall/injury risk); supervise tummy time.

Sleep

  • Ranges are per 24 hours and, for children through preschool, include naps. Individual needs vary. — 11-14
  • Ranges are per 24 hours and, for children through preschool, include naps. Individual needs vary. — 12-16

Part of Baby's first year.

educational reference only; milestones are general guides — discuss any concerns with a pediatrician. Not a diagnostic tool.

Tips for this stage

  • 11-14 hours total. 1 nap, typically after lunch.Source: National Sleep Foundation / AASM pediatric sleep duration recommendation
  • Try khichdi or idli as everyday mealsSource: ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition — Infant Feeding
  • Encourage eating with the family at the tableSource: WHO — Infant and young child feeding (fact sheet)
  • Sing regional lullabies at naptimeSource: WHO/UNICEF/World Bank Group — Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood Development (2018)
  • Grandparents can share favorite childhood songsSource: WHO/UNICEF/World Bank Group — Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood Development (2018)