The Sweetest Baby Milestones

12 to 18 months

Playing Peekaboo

12 to 15 months
You've probably been trying to play this for months—first to blank stares, then to polite "I'll humor Mom and Dad" smiles. But things are about to change: Your child will join in, or even start, the game.

It's more than just mere imitation: She's learned about "object permanence." Before, if something was out of sight, it was out of mind too; she thought it had simply ceased to exist. Now, if something suddenly disappears—say it's you, ducking around the corner of the couch—she wonders where it's gone and tries to find it. Popping out and gently saying "aboo!" will give her a thrill.

Going Bottoms Up

13 to 15 months
Why do toddlers sometimes put their hands on the ground, then look upside down through their legs? As they start to master the whole walking thing, their balance becomes much more refined. It's interesting to challenge themselves in new and exciting ways. A topsy-turvy look at the world stimulates their visual development too. Oh, yeah, and then there's also the most important reason of all. It's fun.

Dancing

14 to 16 months
Don't expect to see the moonwalk or the Macarena just yet—actually, the most your child will probably do is bop up and down while keeping her feet planted on the ground. She may even hold onto a chair or your legs for support. But as she rocks out, she's showing off her growing motor skills and her ability to pick up the pattern of the music's beat. Dance along to encourage her.

Hugging and Kissing

16 to 18 months
Your baby may have thrown his arms around you before or given you a kiss on command. But there's no mistaking the day he toddles over and does both on his own for no reason at all—or so it seems.

Actually, as your little one starts exploring the world, he can feel torn at times. One part of him wants to be fiercely independent; the other part wants reassurance that Mom and Dad are still there. The best thing to do is also the easiest: Hug him right back.

Sources: James Gaylord, M.D., and Michelle Hagan, M.D., coauthors, Your Baby's First Year for Dummies; Alan Rosenblatt, M.D., neurodevelopmental pediatrician in Chicago.