Activities You Can Do With Your 12-Month-Old Baby
As your baby turns one, it’s an exciting time for learning and development. Here are some fun and educational activities you can do with your 12-month-old to support their growth:
Teaching Positive Behaviors
Positive Reinforcement: Teach your baby positive behaviors like patting a pet, putting things in their place, and smiling at people. Give them a hug or a kiss when they do something correctly to reinforce these behaviors.
Learning Through Singing
Song-Based Learning: Incorporate basic tasks into songs to make learning fun. For example, sing “Mommy is putting your toys away, and Charlie is helping Mommy do them,” or “Dada is washing hands and will help Charlie learn how to wash his hands.” Singing in a calm voice helps them register what you're teaching.
Developing Language Skills
Forming Phrases: Help your child form phrases and teach them small words. Expand on the words they use. For instance, if they say “Teddy,” you might respond, “Yes, that is Teddy,” to help them build their vocabulary.
Distraction and Discipline
Redirection: If your child is engaged in an activity you want them to stop, distract them with something else instead of using “NO.” Save “NO” for situations where they could be in danger.
Exploring Objects
Object Recognition: When your baby points at objects, name them and explain their use. For example, if they point at a spoon, say, “Yes, that is a spoon. You use a spoon to eat food,” and let them practice using the spoon.
Introducing New Foods
Food Exploration: Start introducing foods with different textures, colors, and tastes. Supervise them closely as they eat, and provide a small sippy cup for water or juice. Always keep choking hazards away.
Ensuring Adequate Sleep
Sleep Routines: Ensure your baby gets 10-16 hours of sleep each day. Establishing a consistent sleep routine is crucial for their overall development.
Reading Together
Story Time: Read books with your baby. They will enjoy hearing your voice and looking at colorful pages. Interactive reading helps in their cognitive and language development.
Encouraging Movement
Physical Activity: Let your baby push light objects like empty boxes to encourage walking. Hold their hands to support them as they take steps. These activities will help them improve their walking skills.
Conclusion
These activities are designed to foster your baby’s development and provide a stimulating environment for their growth. For additional guidance, please contact your pediatrician and refer to the CDC’s guidelines here.
