When I first started How Wee Learn, I thought it important to write a little bit about child development. I wrote three posts, on 12-18 month olds (this one), on 18-24 month olds, and on 2 year olds. Not because I am an expert (far from it), but because I think it is very important.
As a teacher and a Mama I think it is very important to know what little minds and bodies are thinking and capable of throughout their first years.
It helps me to understand why my little ones do the things they do, and it helps me to be sure I am providing them with appropriate activities. It also relieves some stress, truthfully, knowing that many of the not-so-adorable things that my little ones do are just phases.
Here is that post (one of my first, so please be kind, I have found my voice a little more along this blogging journey)
Here are some things that I found helpful to know about my little ones development between the ages of 12-18 months. I have sited my sources below this post.
I split it into three main areas of development: mental, emotional, and physical.
If you have any thing to add, please leave a comment after this post – thanks!
Baby’s Thinking:
Your baby is beginning to realize how small he is compared to the big world. He wants to do so much, but can’t just yet. It can be amazingly frustrating.
Baby has the shortest attention span of his entire life right now. Don’t expect him to remember what you have said. Baby has the shortest attention span of his life right now. Don’t expect him to remember what you have said. (Yep, get used to lots of repeating…)
Baby needs to see things to understand. If you tell him throwing his car will break it, he will throw it, break it, and then understand. But then he will likely forget. According to my readings (noted below) this is the time right before a baby’s memory begins to increase.
Baby begins to understand the word ‘No’ – but usually that will not stop him from doing what you are saying no to. I have found it very helpful to remember that when little ones don’t respond to a “no” it is often because they are simply very curious. Consistency in rules has helped me a lot with this phase. It’s finding the right balance of letting little ones explore and learn on their own, while providing consistent limits and of course safety.
Baby’s Feeling:
Everything is all about Baby to Baby. He is amazingly self-centered.
He is becoming both more independent and more dependent (clear as mud?) Baby may be all over the room exerting his independence, but should you decide to leave, he may cry as though he could never do anything without you.
At 12 months baby may be all smiles and sunshine. As he approaches 18 months he may become more serious and intense.
Baby may not like being on his back (such as when changing his diaper) because he feels out of control
Whatever is in your hands, big brothers hands, or the strangers hands across the street – Baby wants it.
Baby is quite fearful at this age. New fears may become apparent such as loud noises or even the dark.
Baby’s Doing:
Everything!! during this stage of baby development he is always on the move – crawling, running, walking, clambering, falling …
Baby is very impulsive and needs to be carefully supervised. Everything is new and exciting!
He may begin to object to snuggles, should he not want them. Stiffening up like a board, arching her back, or going limp spaghetti noodle to get loose (and on the move again!)
This is a busy and tiring stage in baby development for Mama for sure – but a very fun one too. So many firsts will happen in your baby’s development during these 6 months. Though you are almost certainly tired, try to enjoy every one! These months will fly.
Sources:
Einon, D.(2005) Creative Play: Recognize and stimulate your child’s natural talents.
Langlois, C. (1998). Growing with Your Child: The complete guide to your baby’s development
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Love this, Sarah! I like how you refer to children of that age as ‘babies’ because that’s what they still are. Many people assume the moment their kids turn 1, they become ‘big’ and start treating them as if they were much older.
So glad you like the post Domi! And thank you for taking the time to comment
Excellent articles on “one year old” “two year old” and “toddler language development.” I’m sharing them with my granddaughters who are both new momma’s, one with an 17 month old, one with a soon to be one year old and one with an infant. Keep your posts coming. ❤️ them.