12 Months Milestones

Twelve months is a magical time - your baby is transforming from an infant into a toddler. But remember, the "first birthday" is not a deadline. Walking, talking, and other milestones all have wide normal ranges that extend well past 12 months. Some 12-month-olds are walking and saying a few words; others are still cruising and babbling. Both are perfectly normal. Focus on the overall trend: Is your baby learning new things, even if slowly? Are they curious and engaged? Those are the most important signs. And always remember - you are doing a great job. The fact that you care enough to check says everything.

Pulling to Stand

CDC WHO

Your baby grabs onto furniture and pulls themselves up from sitting to standing.

What it looks like

Baby grabs the edge of a couch, coffee table, or your hands and hauls themselves up to standing. They stand there holding on, looking proud. They may plop back down or slowly lower themselves.

Typical range

8 moavg 10 mo12 mo14 mo

When should I worry?

This is normal

By 12 months, most babies are pulling to stand. Some are already cruising along furniture. If your baby just started doing this, they are right on track.

Mention at next visit

If your baby is not pulling to stand by 12-13 months, mention it at your next well-child visit.

Call your doctor

If your baby cannot bear weight on their legs at all, or has lost the ability to pull up, call your pediatrician.

Cruising Along Furniture

CDC

Your baby walks sideways while holding onto furniture for support.

What it looks like

Baby stands at the couch and takes sideways steps while holding on, moving along the length of the furniture. They might move from one piece of furniture to another if things are close together.

Typical range

8 moavg 10 mo13 mo15 mo

When should I worry?

This is normal

Cruising is a bridge between standing and walking independently. Some babies cruise for weeks before taking their first solo steps, and others barely cruise at all before walking.

Mention at next visit

If your baby is not cruising or showing interest in moving while standing by 13-14 months, bring it up with your doctor.

Call your doctor

If your baby was cruising and has stopped, or cannot stand even with support, contact your pediatrician.

First Steps (Emerging)

CDC WHO

Your baby may take a few wobbly steps on their own, or they may not be there yet - both are normal at 12 months.

What it looks like

Baby lets go of the furniture and takes one or two unsteady steps before grabbing on again or sitting down. They might only do this occasionally. Many 12-month-olds are not doing this yet.

Typical range

9 moavg 12 mo15 mo18 mo

When should I worry?

This is normal

The average age for first independent steps is around 12 months, but the normal range extends well past 15 months. Many perfectly healthy babies do not walk until 14 or 15 months. This is not a race.

Mention at next visit

If your baby is not walking at all by 15-16 months, bring it up at their next visit.

Call your doctor

If your baby cannot stand even with support by 12 months, or has lost the ability to stand or cruise, call your pediatrician.

Related:not walking late walker

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Red flags to watch for

If you notice any of the following, contact your pediatrician. These signs do not necessarily mean something is wrong, but they are worth discussing with a professional.

Does not crawl, scoot, or move around in any way
What to do
Call your pediatrician to discuss a motor development evaluation.
Cannot stand even when supported or held
What to do
Call your pediatrician to discuss.
Does not say any words like "mama" or "dada" (even unclearly)
What to do
Mention at your next visit. Many 12-month-olds are just starting, but it is worth tracking.
Does not point at things or use any gestures (waving, reaching)
What to do
Bring this up with your pediatrician. Gestures are key communication milestones.
Does not search for things they see you hide
What to do
Mention at your next visit.
Does not look at you when you talk or show excitement
What to do
Mention to your pediatrician at the next visit.
Has lost skills they previously had
What to do
Call your pediatrician right away. Any loss of skills should be evaluated promptly.