Development 9 - 12 Months

Child Development 9 - 12 Months

Each child develops at their own pace, usually through the same stages or milestones in about the same order. Children grow and learn continually, but not in a smooth flowing pattern. Sometimes they practice skills for quite a while and seem as if they will never move on. Other times they learn many skills very quickly.

Understanding your child’s developing abilities and what they can and cannot do at each age will help you to:
• keep your child safe;
• help your child develop;
• understand your child’s behaviour;
• gain satisfaction and enjoyment from the important role of caring for your child.

Growth and development

Movements
From nine to 12 months, your baby will probably be able to:
   • sit unsupported for quite a time;
   • turn sideways without losing balance;
   • stretch out and pick up a toy from the floor;
   • progress from rolling to wriggling to crawling on all fours. Some babies have their own crawling style which may not be usual, but their concern is getting somewhere rather than how they do it;
   • pull themselves up to stand against furniture or another support. When first they pull up on a support to stand up, they will not be able to lower themselves slowly back to a sitting position. They may flop down or cry for help, but will be back on their feet again in no time;
   • gradually walk by stepping sideways, using furniture for support;
   • then learn to walk when their two hands are held, then with one hand held; and
   • may stand alone for a little while, or even walk unaided by 12 months.

Use of hands

Your baby’s ability to use their hands is developing rapidly at this age. They will firstly be able to point and poke at small objects. They need to practices their throwing skills.
This happens often with toys and food being thrown from strollers, highchairs and any other handy places.

Eating habits
Your baby does not need smooth foods at this age. They can chew — with or without teeth. Your baby should not be given hard foods such as nuts, carrots, or apple, which may make your baby choke. Some babies will prefer to feed themselves with finger foods. You will need to watch your child to ensure they don’t choke.

Many babies of this age can already drink small amounts from a cup or are ready to use one. Frequent small drinks (30 to 60 ml) give them the enjoyment of finishing the drink and imitating grown-ups.

Language
Babies between nine and 12 months are interested in all sounds, especially voices — their own and other people’s. During this time they say their first real word, although it is often hard to hear it among the other noises they make. They love to:
• babble for amusement
• show what they want by pointing and making sounds

The more you talk to your child and respond to their attempts to communicate, the easier it will be for their language skills to develop. Talking during everyday events (e.g. changing a nappy, bath time) helps teach your child about language. Reading books and talking about the pictures is another enjoyable way to help your child’s language skills.

Your child and other people

Children continually develop their sense of trust in those around them. If they find that adults can be trusted because the adults give them love and care, then the child’s development and confidence will grow.

At this age, your child is more confident with other people and enjoys the company of familiar adults, but:
• sometimes objects to new faces and voices;
• may still be distressed if you leave, even for a short while.
This is a normal stage of your child’s development as your baby is still learning to know the difference between familiar and unfamiliar people.

Learning through play

Playing is the way children learn about the world around them. Lots of different types of play, suitable for the child’s age, can give them the experiences needed to develop and learn.

Your child needs opportunities to explore and experiment with new physical skills. You can help give these experiences, and also enjoyment, by playing and talking to your child.
Suitable games for this age include:
   • finger-toe songs and rhymes (e.g. ‘This little piggy went to market’);
   • peek-a-boo;
   • clapping hands;
   • listening and copying sounds.

Stimulating playthings include:
   • push-along toys;
   • balls;
   • drums;
   • stacking tubs.

Safety

A safe space to explore and play is essential. From nine to 12 months, children can move around, freely. They can explore and follow people if they want to. At this age babies can move very quickly and very quietly. They don’t understand danger and can get into trouble before you know it, so you need to be particularly watchful.
The chances of injury increase as your baby learns to crawl, walk, climb and explore.

Be careful to check:
   • where your baby is before reversing your car;
   • that pins, buttons, dead insects, and other small objects are out of baby’s reach;
   • that low cupboards have childproof latches;
   • gates, doors and stairways are secured;
   • that occasional tables are sturdy so they can safely pull themselves up to stand.

You can further make your household safe for your child by:
   • storing household cleaning agents and medicines well out of reach or in a locked cupboard;
   • covering power points when they are not in use;
   • placing dangerous objects (e.g. heaters, fans, hot drinks) out of reach;
   • fencing off hazards such as swimming pools, fires, heaters and stairs;
   • using protective devices such as
     — approved child restraints in the car
     — restraints in the stroller, highchair or shopping trolley.
It takes a long time for children to remember and recognise dangerous situations. Until then, keeping a close watch on your child is the only way of being sure they are safe.

For more information
If you would like more information about your child’s development or you are worried about your child, talk to your child health nurse or your doctor.

You could also ask at your local library for books on child development.