What should 1 year old be doing

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Most popular in Baby. See all in Community. See all in Getting Pregnant. See all in Pregnancy. See all in Preschooler. See all in Life as a Parent. See all in Video. You might also like You might also like. Solids by age: 13 to 18 months.

Parents' tips: how to cope if your friend keeps comparing her baby with yours. Ways to make birthdays special. Establishing good sleep habits: 12 to 18 months. Helping your child to be independent. How to make the most of it: Now you and your toddler can be full-fledged residents of the Land of Make Believe. Pull out the pretend toys or safe versions of real objects and enjoy playing pretend with your toddler: school, doctor, tea party. Be sure to invite that stuffed bunny and its friends: When it comes to a pretend tea party, the more the merrier!

Why it's worth celebrating: For starters, a toddler who can boogie is one of the cutest things you'll ever see. But this particular 1-year-old milestone also marks a child's emerging sense of rhythm.

His footwork will get fancier as the months go by — a sign that he's gaining control over his body, building physical strength, and fine-tuning his large motor skills.

How to make the most of it: Easy! Crank up the speakers and get your groove on. Try teaching your tot some funky old-fashioned dance moves, like the Twist and the Macarena, and you'll help hone his powers of observation and ability to imitate what he sees. When you can expect it: Most toddlers will probably be able to do this by 20 to 22 months. Why it's worth celebrating: If your tot has a motto, chances are it's "Me do it!

Plus, your tot being able to undress himself takes one job off your plate. How to make the most of it: Practice makes perfect, so let him strip. Set him up for success — avoid clothing with complicated closures like snaps until your toddler hones his dressing skills a bit more and opt for stretchy fabrics and elastic waistbands instead. Also, try to build in extra time for him to slip out of his shirt or pull off his own pants it'll take a lot longer when "Me do it!

Why it's worth celebrating: No one has to tell you that your toddler has a mind of his own. But the ability to decide what he wants to do and how to do it, and then to carry out his plans, is a huge leap in a child's cognitive development. You may not always agree with your toddler's intentions like when he decides that the dining-room wall would make a perfect canvas for a self-portrait , but there's no question such antics indicate a creative, resourceful mind in the making.

How to make the most of it: You can encourage this kind of thinking-ahead thinking by asking questions. For example, at the sandbox say, "Hey, the sand is all dry and hot. How could we make it cooler? When you can expect it: Most toddlers will probably be able to do this by 22 to 24 months. Why it's worth celebrating: There are a few reasons you'll want to give this milestone a high-five. For starters, it shows that your toddler is beginning to develop empathy, tuning into how others feel.

It's also a sign that he's ready and able to start living with some limits. How to make the most of it: Start to set some simple house rules and teach easy childhood chores. Stand alone and walk, holding on to your hands Stick out their arms, legs, and feet to help get dressed and undressed Walk without help Begin walking up stairs. As they approach age 2, children are typically able to:. Social and emotional milestones.

Smile and laugh in reaction to somebody else or when playing Cry when someone nearby is upset Feel comfortable exploring the room when a caregiver is nearby Show affection to familiar people Have mild temper tantrums when frustrated Be nervous around new people and clingy with caregivers.

Key Takeaways Kids develop at different rates — these milestones are just typical. Early intervention can make a huge difference if your child needs help. Related topics Signs and symptoms Signs and symptoms. Continue reading. Did you know? Tell us what interests you. See your recommendations. There was an issue saving your preferences.