Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      I’m a pediatric sleep specialist who has seen it all, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to get your child to (happily) stay in his own bed all night long. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See all GETTING PREGNANT

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    When sex coincides withĀ your most fertile ovulation days, you'llĀ increase the chances of conceiving.Ā Get to know each phase of your cycle to get pregnant faster.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See all PREGNANCY

    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the first signs of labor approaching, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See all BABY NAMES

    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    Curious which baby names stole the show this year? From new classics like Noah to tried-and-true faves like Ava, here are the top boy and girl names of the year so far, plus more naming trends to consider.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
    • Baby Name Quizzes
  • BABY

    BABY

    See all BABY

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See all TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See all BIG KID

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See all FUN

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids’ birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See all HEALTH

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See all PARENTING

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See all FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See all HOLIDAY

    44 Fun Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

    Spend an afternoon making these Valentine's Day cards, decorations, and edible projects for kids. Bonus: These craft ideas are perfect for preschoolers and the ideal homemade gift for a few special someones!
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See all OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow us

  1. Home
  2. Toddlers & Preschoolers
  3. Development
  4. Physical Development
  5. Your Toddler's First Year

Your Toddler's First Year

By Megan Mattes
December 10, 2013
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Fancy Photography/Veer
Your toddler will grow by leaps and bounds in the months ahead. Don't miss a moment of this awesome age.
Start Slideshow

1 of 7

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Fab First Year

Credit: Juice Images/Veer

If I could keep my 1-year-old son, Leo, frozen in time, I swear I just might do it. He's so darn sweet: He kisses me when I least expect it, happily shares his fruit snacks, and tries to make friends with everyone at Starbucks. Part of me doesn't want him to grow up. Ever! I'm not the only mom who's in a full-blown love affair with the wonderful ones. "This age is so delicious because there are many exciting changes happening," says Alexandra Barzvi, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor at New York University's Child Study Center. "One-year-olds now have the skills to get around independently, and their own distinct personality is shining through." Here are some of the highlights of what's in store for you this year--and how to make the most of it.

1 of 7

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 7

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

He's Excited About His World, and You Will Be Too

Credit: Fancy Photography/Veer

When's the last time you stared at the moon or stopped to smell flowers? Toddlers are fascinated by everything around them, stuff many adults no longer appreciate. Touching, smelling, and listening teaches them about the world, and seeing the look of wonder on your child's face when he comes upon something new will rekindle your own excitement.

Make the Most of It: Read him books on a variety of topics, and take time to point out neat things like the caterpillar inching across your lawn or what a leaf feels like. And keep in mind that your child's curiosity means you'll also have to be super vigilant about what he tries to touch or put in his mouth.

2 of 7

3 of 7

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

She's A Love Bug

Credit: StockByte/ Veer

You'll probably get your first kiss--most likely a slobbery, open-mouth one--at around 12 months. But that's not all: She now has the developmental capacity to give hugs and maybe even say "love you" as she closes in on her second birthday.

Make the Most of It: Show affection by hugging and kissing her--and other members of your family --often. "If you create a warm environment for your child, she'll most likely grow up to be a loving person," says Alexandra Barzvi, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor at New York University's Child Study Center.

3 of 7

Advertisement

4 of 7

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

He's Developing a Sense of Humor

Credit: Juice Images/Veer

Kids this age are used to routines, so they'll launch into the cutest giggle fit at anything surprising or silly, such as when you cough louder than usual or make a funny face. "Toddlers also enjoy making people laugh," says Alison Gopnik, Ph.D., author of The Philosophical Baby: What Children"s Minds Tell Us About Truth, Love, and the Meaning of Life. So, you can expect him to repeat things that elicit a chuckle from you.

Make the Most of It: Squeeze in silly time: Make funny noises, tickle him, and play lots of games ("Quack Like a Duck"). Laughter is a sign that your kid is happy and learning about different emotions.

4 of 7

5 of 7

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

She's Able to Express Her Needs to You

Credit: Fancy Photography/Veer

After months of guesswork on your part (Is she hungry? Tired? Bored?), your child can finally tell you what she wants using simple words and phrases, pointing to objects, or shaking her head yes or no. Around 12 months, she'll know a handful of words like "hi" and "Mama," but by age 2, she'll have mastered about 50.

Make the Most of It: Channel your inner sportscaster, and narrate things that your child is doing throughout the day to boost language development, suggests Alexandra Barzvi, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor at New York University's Child Study Center. For example, say, "Oh, look, you're picking up your little doll!" or "You're holding a green crayon!" to expose her to a broad range of words.

5 of 7

6 of 7

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

He's Bursting With Personality

Credit: BananaStock/ Jupiter

You might have caught glimpses of your baby's temperament before, but now he's really beginning to discover his own character--and he's more than willing to let it be known when he likes or dislikes something, says Alison Gopnik, Ph.D., author of The Philosophical Baby: What Children's Minds Tell Us About Truth, Love, and the Meaning of Life.

Make the Most of It: Tune in to your child's cues to figure out what's best for his personality. For example, if he seems to be outgoing around kids, sign him up for a group activity. But if he's a bit shy, try a one-on-one playdate.

6 of 7

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 7

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

She's Got Skills

Credit: Fancy Photography/Veer

Sometimes it feels like your toddler wakes up in the morning with a whole new set of abilities, whether it's walking around without holding onto the furniture or scaling the staircase on her own. Most kids take their first step before 15 months, and then they spend the next several months learning to climb, run, kick, and even jump.

Make the Most of It: Provide toys that encourage movement, like balls and push carts. Double-check childproofing to make sure your kid has a safe place to run around and practice her new skills.

Originally published in the September 2009 issue of Parents magazine.

7 of 7

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 7 The Fab First Year
2 of 7 He's Excited About His World, and You Will Be Too
3 of 7 She's A Love Bug
4 of 7 He's Developing a Sense of Humor
5 of 7 She's Able to Express Her Needs to You
6 of 7 He's Bursting With Personality
7 of 7 She's Got Skills

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Shop | Parents

  • Diaper Bags
  • Maternity Clothing
  • Prenatal Vitamins
  • Car Seats
  • Breast Pumps
  • Maternity Dresses
  • Baby Shower Gifts
  • Baby Gates
  • Pregnancy Pillows
  • Kids Backpacks
  • Shop More Next

Parents may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

Parents

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
  • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Parents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

View image

Your Toddler's First Year
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.