Milestones 6-12 Months

Physical Development

Learning to release objects that they are holding onto; this allows them to start transferring objects from hand to hand
Uses the whole hand to pick things up; also starts experimenting with a pincer grip (thumb and index finger)
Learning to move into, and out of, a sitting position and can sit upright without support
Becoming more mobile; begins balancing on hands and knees and progresses from rocking to creeping to crawling
May be pulling up to a standing position and starting to balance/move with support

Concentrating on toys and activities
Beginning to look for a dropped toy, spoon or biscuit
Anticipating routines and shows this by using gestures to communicate (lifts arms to be picked up)
Shows an understanding of simple phrases that you use regularly like, 'no', 'Daddy's here', or 'wash hands'
Starting to show an understanding of cause and effect (toy buttons squeak, shakers make a noise, pop up toys appear)

Responding to their own name
Initiating and interacting in conversations
Developing a sense of humor and loves to laugh
Enjoys socializing with other babies and young children – even their own reflection is a great source of fascination
Developing and remembering social rituals (will wave bye-bye)

Beginning to show affection by patting or pressing their face into the object of their affection...you may get those lovely slobbery first kisses!
Will try to engage with you – lots of giggles - loves to please you and get a positive response
Will get upset if they feel that you are disapproving or disappointed
May show signs of separation anxiety from primary caregivers
Can be quite determined and get frustrated or annoyed if they are unable to achieve a goal, for example, if they can not reach a toy or follow you somewhere

Playing with lips and tongue; introducing and discovering more sounds
Will happily babble and chat to themselves
Loves to take turns talking with you in pretend conversations
Listening to the sounds that you make, and is intent on watching your mouth, lips and tongue
Using their voice, sounds and words to get your attention.