Around 12 months old, your child will become more mobile and you will notice yourself watching him more closely, reports MayoClinic.com. It is important to remember that not all babies achieve the same developmental milestones at the same time, but there are some general characteristics to look for. If you are concerned that your baby is not reaching his milestones, speak with your doctor, as he will be able to assess the situation.
First Steps
According to MayoClinic.com, by 12 months your baby may be taking his first steps. It is at this point that he is able to advance his motor skills by sitting and pulling himself up. Your baby may begin to explore new areas by walking.
Affection
When your baby reaches 12 months, he should be able to show affection, reports the American Pregnancy Association. Babies at this age begin to understand that affection is a good thing, and your child may show it through hugs, kisses or high fives.
Language Advancements
Twelve-month-olds are able to understand simple verbal commands, reports the American Pregnancy Association. According to MayoClinic.com, your baby should understand familiar words associated with people he knows or events he is used to. At this age, you baby may use nonverbal communication techniques, such as shaking his head to express "yes" or "no" or pointing to things he wants. Also, your child may start making sounds that begin to form words, such as "dada" or "uh-oh," reports MayoClinic.com.
Coordination
At this age, hand-eye coordination improves. Your child will be able to feed himself with his fingers, reports MayoClinic.com. Your child will be able to begin building block towers that might fall after the second block is placed, reports the American Pregnancy Association. In addition, your 12-month-old should be able to move from a standing position into a sitting position without help.
Anxiety
In unfamiliar surroundings, your baby may begin to cling to you and act fearful, reports the American Pregnancy Association. Your child may refuse to let go of your legs, demand that you carry him and/or refuse to be left with people he does not know or in environments he is not used to.
Hidden Objects
Up until this point, when something was not in your child's line of vision, it no longer existed. At this age in development, your baby will begin to understand that objects are still there even when they are not in his line of sight. According to MayoClinic.com, you baby will understand that you are still present even when you leave the room, and this may lead to intense crying spells.
Imitation
What you do will begin to be a model for what he will do and try. At 12 months, your baby will begin to imitate your actions and the actions of those around him, reports MayoClinic.com. Your baby may begin to act like he is talking on a cell phone or pretend to clean the house. Anything you do your child might try to copy at this stage in his development.
