STEM Milestones
At 10-12 months, babies have much more control over their world, are understanding cause and effect and are much more interactive in their new learning.
Key Indicators:
- Shows recognition of commonly used words
- Explores the environment when placed on the floor
- Enjoys toys with different textures
- Tests parent’s reactions
- Looks for hidden objects and finds them easily
Social/Emotional/Play Milestones
At 10-12 months, interaction is blooming. Imitation is key at this stage, and children will mimic others at simple play, along with sounds that they hear. They also begin to exhibit attachment to caregivers and fear of strangers and certain situations.
Key Indicators:
- Smiles and uses good eye contact
- Uses gestures to communicate
- Tests parental responses to behavior (What do you do if he cries after you leave the room?)
Language/Communication Milestones
Children at this age begin trying to imitate language by using babbling that resembles the rhythm of speech. They use gestures to communicate, and respond to simple directions like “give me the ball” and “no”. They begin to use an increased variety of sounds and syllable combinations in babbling, including consonants.
Key Indicators:
- Vocalizes p, b, and m sounds
- Pays increasing attention to speech
- Looks at familiar people and objects when they are named
- Begins to say “mama” and “dada” close to 12 months
- Listens and responds when spoken to
- Makes different sounds to express different feelings
Coordination/Movement Milestones
10-12 month-olds have improved balance and finer motor control. They can sit without support, and turn their heads to track objects visually while sitting. They can also crawl forward on their bellies by pulling with their arms and pushing with their legs. They may even pull themselves up to stand and push walking toys with both hands.
Key Indicators:
- Picks up small objects with thumb and fingers
- Walks holding on to furniture
- Stands momentarily without support
- May walk two or three steps without support
- Gets into sitting position without assistance
Sensory Milestones
Children at this stage have a greater depth perception with their eyes. They recognize specific sounds and voices, and enjoy an array of sensory objects in their environments. They like a variety of movements, textures, massage, and music. 10-12 month-olds love being read to, and exploring the world. Their vision and hearing are becoming more acute, and they can recognize more colors and sounds than ever.
Key Indicators:
- Brings hands and objects to mouth
- Hearing is very acute, processes words and voices well
- Uses both hands equally when playing with toys
- Can scan a crowd of people looking for parents’ faces
Cognitive Milestones
Children at this age will become more attuned to the world around them. They explore with their hands and mouths, and will experiment with how objects work. They start imitating social interactions and try to join in simple play.
Key Indicators:
- Explores objects in many different ways (shaking, banging, throwing, dropping)
- Interested in mirror images
- Responds to other people’s expressions of emotion and appears joyful often
- Finds hidden objects easily
- Looks at correct picture when the image is named
- Begins to use objects correctly (drinking from cup, brushing hair)
What Would a Pediatric Occupational Therapist Look For?
Pediatric Occupational Therapists will look for certain developmental milestones when reviewing children’s behavior.
- Protection reflexes emerge (putting hands out to break a fall while walking)
- Begins to show interest in other children
- Ability to finger-feed self, use simple utensils, and drink from different cups
- Is self-regulating by calming with rocking and soothing sounds
- Making eye contact, smiling at care-givers and babbling back and forth
- Able to chew and swallow soft-cooked vegetables, pasta, banana slices, etc.
- Is starting to assist in dressing
Time to Check with Baby’s Healthcare Provider
Parents, be vigilant! You are your child’s advocate. If you see any of the following in your baby’s first 10-12 months, it is time to notify your baby’s healthcare provider so he or she can get the proper medical attention.
- Shows no interest in games of peekaboo by eight months
- Arches back or stiffens legs when pulled to sitting
- Does not attempt to crawl or creep
- Drags one side of the body while crawling
- Cannot stand when supported
- Says no single words (“mama” or “dada”)
- Does not learn to use gestures, such as waving or shaking head
- Does not point to objects or pictures
Self-Care Milestones for Mommy and Daddy
Just as babies have milestones, new parents need to reach important milestones to stay healthy and happy and have the ability to care for your baby!
- Use proper positioning for breast-feeding (remember, bring baby to you)
- Use proper lifting technique to protect your back
- If you are returning to work, plan ahead, ask your partner for help, try to get sleep on weekends
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat a balanced diet
- When help is offered, take it!
- Get some fresh air (take a walk with your baby when possible)
- Take time to connect with your partner
- Make time to connect with friends. Adult conversation is important!
References:
The American Academy of Pediatrics, Pathways, The American Occupational Therapy Association
