12-month-old (1-year-old) milestones: the CDC checklist

Wording from the CDC.

Most children (75 in 100) do these things by 12 months; mark what your child does and take the list to your child’s doctor.

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Social/Emotional Milestones

Plays games with you, like pat-a-cake

Language/Communication Milestones

Waves “bye-bye”
Calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name
Understands “no” (pauses briefly or stops when you say it)

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Puts something in a container, like a block in a cup
Looks for things he sees you hide, like a toy under a blanket

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

Pulls up to stand
Walks, holding on to furniture
Drinks from a cup without a lid, as you hold it
Picks things up between thumb and pointer finger, like small bits of food

Other important things to share with the doctor

CDC suggests these questions; the wording is CDC’s.

  1. What are some things you and your baby do together?
  2. What are some things your baby likes to do?
  3. Is there anything your baby does or does not do that concerns you?
  4. Has your baby lost any skills he/she once had?
  5. Does your baby have any special healthcare needs or was he/she born prematurely?

What to ask the doctor

Talk with your child’s doctor. You know your child best. If you have a concern, don’t wait for the next visit: call your child’s doctor, share it, and ask about developmental screening.

Screenings at checkups. Doctors are advised to screen every child’s development with a standard questionnaire at the 9-, 18- and 30-month visits, and to screen for autism at the 18- and 24-month visits. You can ask for a screening at any visit.

If your child loses a skill. If your child stops doing something they used to do, at any age, call the doctor. Losing a skill is always worth a call.

You don’t need a referral. If your child is under 3, you can contact your state’s early intervention program yourself. From age 3, contact your local public school district, even if your child doesn’t go there. Find early intervention (CDC)

If you have concerns, talk to your child's doctor.

Sources: Zubler et al. 2022, Pediatrics 149(3) (the 2022 checklists); Lipkin and Macias 2020, Pediatrics 145(1) (the screening schedule); CDC’s early intervention pages.

Act early

You know your child best. Don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.

If you or the doctor are still concerned

  • Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your child more; and
  • Call your state or territory's early intervention program to find out if your child can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI.

From CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” page for this age.

Questions parents ask at 12 months

Answered from CDC’s 2022 checklists, quoting CDC’s wording exactly.

Should my 1-year-old be walking?

CDC’s 12-month list says “Pulls up to stand” and “Walks, holding on to furniture”. Steps alone come later in CDC’s lists: “Takes a few steps on his own” at 15 months and “Walks without holding on to anyone or anything” at 18 months. CDC’s advice is to act early: if you have a concern, don’t wait, and talk with your child’s doctor.

Does a 1-year-old understand “no”?

CDC’s 12-month list includes “Understands “no” (pauses briefly or stops when you say it)”, along with “Waves “bye-bye”” and “Calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name”. If you have a question about what your child understands, talk with your child’s doctor.

Should my 12-month-old drink from a cup?

CDC lists “Drinks from a cup without a lid, as you hold it” at 12 months. At 18 months the item becomes “Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimes”, with no one holding the cup. If you have a question about drinking or eating, talk with your child’s doctor.

What comes before and after 12 months

Show CDC’s 9-month and 15-month lists

CDC’s checklists for the checkpoints on either side of 12 months, word for word, by area of development. They are here to compare; the checklist to mark is the 12-month one above.

Social/Emotional Milestones

At 9 months

  • Is shy, clingy, or fearful around strangers
  • Shows several facial expressions, like happy, sad, angry, and surprised
  • Looks when you call her name
  • Reacts when you leave (looks, reaches for you, or cries)
  • Smiles or laughs when you play peek-a-boo

At 15 months

  • Copies other children while playing, like taking toys out of a container when another child does
  • Shows you an object she likes
  • Claps when excited
  • Hugs stuffed doll or other toy
  • Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, or kisses you)

Language/Communication Milestones

At 9 months

  • Makes a lot of different sounds like “mamamama” and “bababababa”
  • Lifts arms up to be picked up

At 15 months

  • Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog
  • Looks at a familiar object when you name it
  • Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, he gives you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, “Give me the toy.”
  • Points to ask for something or to get help

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

At 9 months

  • Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like his spoon or toy)
  • Bangs two things together

At 15 months

  • Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book
  • Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks

Movement/Physical Development Milestones

At 9 months

  • Gets to a sitting position by herself
  • Moves things from one hand to her other hand
  • Uses fingers to “rake” food towards himself
  • Sits without support

At 15 months

  • Takes a few steps on his own
  • Uses fingers to feed herself some food

Tips and activities for 12 months

From CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program. The tips and activities below are CDC’s, word for word. CDC’s page for this age

What You Can Do for Your 1-year-old

As your baby's first teacher, you can help his or her learning and brain development. Try these simple tips and activities in a safe way. Talk with your baby's doctor and teachers if you have questions or for more ideas on how to help your baby's development.

  • Teach your baby "wanted behaviors." Show her what to do and use positive words or give her hugs and kisses when she does it. For example, if she pulls your pet's tail, teach her how to pet gently and give her a hug when she does it.
  • Talk or sing to your baby about what you're doing. For example, "Mommy is washing your hands" or sing, "This is the way we wash our hands."
  • Build on what your baby tries to say. If he says "ta," say "Yes, a truck," or if he says "truck," say "Yes, that's a big, blue truck."
More Parenting Tips and Activities (16)
  • Redirect your baby quickly and consistently by giving her a toy or moving her if she is getting into things you don't want her to get into. Save "no" for behaviors that are dangerous. When you say "no," say it firmly. Do not spank, yell, or give her long explanations.
  • Give your baby safe places to explore. Baby-proof your home. For example, move sharp or breakable things out of reach. Lock away medicines, chemicals, and cleaning products. Save the Poison Help Line number, 800-222-1222, in all phones.
  • Respond with words when your baby points. Babies point to ask for things. For example, say "You want the cup? Here is the cup. It's your cup." If he tries to say "cup," celebrate his attempt.
  • Point to interesting things you see, such as a truck, bus, or animals. This will help your baby pay attention to what others are "showing" him through pointing.
  • Limit screen time (TV, tablets, phones, etc.) to video calling with loved ones. Screen time is not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age. Babies learn by talking, playing, and interacting with others.
  • Give your baby water, breast milk, or plain milk. You don't need to give your baby juice, but if you do, give 4 ounces or less a day of 100% fruit juice. Do not give your baby other sugary beverages, such as fruit drinks, soda, sports drinks, or flavored milks.
  • Help your baby get used to foods with different tastes and textures. Foods can be smooth, mashed, or finely chopped. Your baby might not like every food on the first try. Give your baby a chance to try foods again and again.
  • Give your baby time to get to know a new caregiver. Bring a favorite toy, stuffed animal, or blanket to help comfort your baby.
  • Give your baby pots and pans or a small musical instrument like a drum or cymbals. Encourage your baby to make noise.
  • Find out about foods that are choking risks. Let your baby practice feeding himself safe foods with his fingers and using a cup with a small amount of water. Sit next to your baby and enjoy mealtime together. Expect spills. Learning is messy and fun!
  • Make sure your baby gets enough sleep: 4- to 12-month-olds need 12 to 16 hours of sleep a day (including naps). Consistent sleep times make it easier!
  • "Read" books with your baby. Reading can be talking about pictures. Babies this age like books with things they can feel or flaps they can lift.
  • Play together with blocks and other toys that encourage your baby to use her hands.
  • Babies learn to calm themselves from caregivers who are calm and make them feel safe. Help your baby learn she can calm down by talking softly, holding, rocking, or singing to her. Let her suck on her fingers or a pacifier.
  • Let your baby push things around, such as empty boxes, a "kiddie chair," or "push toys," so he can practice walking.
  • Encourage your baby to practice walking on her own. Baby walkers are not recommended. Let her hold your hands or hold onto furniture that is safe.

On CDC’s site

The checklist on this page is CDC’s, word for word. CDC’s site already has an online checklist for each age. What this page adds: a corrected-age calculator and a list for the doctor that prints without an email step.

More for parents

Milestone checklist: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Learn the Signs. Act Early.”, 2022 revision. Source: CDC. Read this checklist on cdc.gov

Use of CDC material on this page does not imply endorsement by CDC, ATSDR, HHS or the United States Government.

Prepared by MyTestAtlas from CDC materials.