At one year, your baby has become more adept at getting
around the house even if she hasn't learned to walk.
Babies are more curious of things that are not within
their reach. Throwing is another motor skill your baby
is practicing. Sometimes she throws for the sheer joy
of it and other times to see where the object lands.
Some babies have mastered their first word and will
use it on every possible occasion. Even if your baby
is not using any words, she understands language quite
well. As her understanding grows, she will learn to
follow simple instructions. Playfulness, curiosity,
a willingness to try something new makes your one year
old a delight to be with. The second year of life will
provide you and your baby with new challenges and new
opportunities to learn and grow.
Milestones - your
Baby's progress report
Baby's emotions
By the end of his first year, your baby may be more
expressive in new ways. She may be more affectionate
with you and other family members. Baby may kiss you
on request; she may hug or kiss her favorite toy animals
or doll; baby is generally more demonstrative. Her sense
of humor is on display; she laughs more easily. Her
tantrums are also more obvious since it is difficult
to express frustrations. When she is angry she will
let you know. She is learning acceptable behavior and
may test you often; be firm when you disapprove of her
actions.
Baby on the move
If baby isn't walking yet, he will soon. If he is toddling,
he may revert to crawling quite often especially when
he wants to get some place quickly. He may also crawl
when engaged in some activities like pushing a truck
across. He may carry a toy when he walks. This lends
him a sense of balance although it doesn't offer him
much support. He may have trouble going around corners
or stopping when he wants to. These skills will be perfected
upon in the next few months.
Other Baby changes
In this first year, baby's brain has grown to nearly
60% of its adult size. His vision is nearly mature.
Baby's sense of spatial relationships is excellent but
he still has trouble judging distance and speed. He
has matured enough to tell the difference between adults
and children. He may now seek out other babies.
Toys and Play
Backward down the stairs
Now is a good time to begin teaching baby the important
skill of climbing safely down the stairs. This game
helps. Place baby on the stairs on her tummy with her
feet pointing toward the bottom of the stairs. Gently
pull her legs out so she learns how it feels to slide
downwards on her tummy, step by step. This skill also
contributes to her gross-motor coordination. Even when
she has mastered this backward slide, don't let her
on stairs without your supervision.
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