What most babies do at 12 months

Social and Emotional

Is shy or nervous with strangers

Cries when mom or dad leaves

Has favorite things and people

Shows fear in some situations

Hands you a book when he wants to hear a story

Repeats sounds or actions to get attention

Puts out arm or leg to help with dressing

Plays games such as "peek-a-boo" and "pat-a-cake"

Language/Communication

Responds to simple spoken requests

Uses simple gestures, like shaking head "no" or waving "bye-bye"

Makes sounds with changes in tone (sounds more like speech)

Says "mama" and "dada" and exclamations like "uh-oh!"

Tries to say words you say

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Explores things in different ways, like shaking, banging, throwing

Finds hidden things easily

Looks at the right picture or thing when it's named

Copies gestures

Starts to use things correctly; for example, drinks from a cup, brushes hair

Bangs two things together

Puts things in a container, takes things out of a container

Lets things go without help

Pokes with index (pointer) finger

Follows simple directions like "pick up the toy"

Movement/Physical Development

Gets to a sitting position without help

Pulls up to stand, walks holding on to furniture ("cruising")

May take a few steps without holding on

May stand alone