Preparing for Your Baby’s Second Year: Milestones to Look For

The transition from immobile infant to "booting and scooting" toddler is a fast and fun one. There are so many exciting developments that happen during the second 12 months of your child’s life that we’ve put together a little overview for you to glance at in anticipation, or mark off as you go.

Keep in mind each child is different, and that some stages may happen earlier or later depending on the child. So if you have a second to peel your eyes away from your growing little one, here’s what you keep an eye out for:

12 Months

Happy birthday! Your precious little one is celebrating their first year. Watch as they begin to repeat actions and sounds and adopt traits like picking up and drinking from cups or pointing at things with their index finger. Here are some other things to look forward to:

Sitting up without help
The beginning stages of walking or standing
Stronger displays of emotion, such as anger or nervousness when held by strangers
Separation anxiety
More sounds, responses, and simple gestures like shaking their head or waving their hands
Attempts to say the words you say

18 Months

It’s a half-birthday celebration! Here’s what you can expect from your advancing toddler:

Ability to identify everyday things like a phone or spoon
Pointing to get attention
Walking on their own
Stringing together basic words
Drinking from a cup and eating with a spoon and fork on their own
More exploration and affection

24 Months

Your baby is now two, hooray for another birthday! You can anticipate:

Increasing independence
For them to speak short sentences (2-4 words_
More understanding when it comes to shapes and colors
Beginning stages of make believe and play
More running
Standing on tiptoes
Climbing on furniture

Personality, independence, and a lot of newfound movement are all things you can prepare for as your child ventures from the one- to two-year mark. More conversations, words, and imagination will also accompany this shift, along with some not so glamorous developments like possible temper tantrums, fits, and separation anxiety. Help your little one embrace each new stage of life by encouraging healthy habits and interactions by displaying safety and love through ample one-on-one time.

Cherish this season of life with your little one as you journey with them through the marvelous adventure of growing up.