What milestones are typical at 12 months?

Puts something in a container, like a block in a cup Looks for things he sees you hide, like a toy under a blanket Waves "bye-bye" Calls a parent "mama" or "dada" or another special name Pulls up to stand Walks, holding on to furniture These are a guide, not a test — babies reach them at different times.

What should my baby be eating at 12 months?

modify texture <4 years AVOID <12 months AVOID as main drink <12 months

Your baby at 12 months: milestones, feeding & growth

Q: What should my baby be eating at 12 months?

modify texture <4 years AVOID <12 months AVOID as main drink <12 months

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.