Your baby's development (8 to12 months)

What to expect for most babies around 9 months of age

Social and emotional

• Cries when mum or dad leaves.
• Might feel scared when they are in new places or around people they do not know.
• Smiles or laughs when you play “peek-a-boo”.

Language and communication

• Looks when you call their name. 
• Uses gestures like shaking their head or waving bye.
• Makes sounds like talking.
• Lifts arms to be picked up. 

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

• Plays with things by shaking, banging, or throwing them.
• Bangs two things together.
• Looks for objects they drop (like a spoon or toy).
• Puts things in and out of a container.

Movement and physical development

• Can sit up without help.
• Moves things from one hand to the other hand.
• Uses fingers to move food towards them. 

What to expect for most babies around 12 months of age

Social and emotional

• Plays games such as “peek-a-boo”.
• Repeats sounds or actions to get attention.

Language and communication

• Understands when you ask them to do something.
• Uses gestures like clapping
• Tries to say words you say.
• Says simple words like "mama" or "dada."
• Can pass you a book or toy to invite you to play.

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

• Can find hidden objects easily.
• Looks at the right picture when you say its name.
• Copies what you do.
• Starts using things the right way, like drinking from a cup.
• Puts things in and out of a container.
• Points with their finger.
• Does what you ask, like picking up a toy.

Movement and physical development

• Pulls themselves up to stand.
• Walks while holding onto furniture.
• Might take a few steps without holding on.
• Can stand alone.