Toddler: Your 13-month-old
Congratulations! Your child's 1 year old and ready for a new year of discoveries. This is a time of mobility and independence, as your child experiences the freedom of exploring on her own.
First steps
Her newfound abilities can also mean that she may not want to be carried around so much. She'll also take a tumble now and then, and that's okay. Learning any new skill always involves a few falls. As long as you cushion all sharp edges of furniture and objects in the room and she's walking on a carpeted area, she'll be safe.
Resist the urge to rush over and pick her up when she falls, unless she's really hurt. If you jump in every time your child looks like she'll fall, she'll get the idea that there’s something scary about learning to walk. She needs to be a bit independent to progress developmentally.
Be sure to install a safety gate in front of any stairs. A hardware-mounted gate is the best choice since a toddler can push over many pressure-mounted gates.
This month your child may:
- bend over and pick up objects, as the development of her muscles and balance allow her to
- respond to verbal requests without gestures (when you say "come," she will come without parent having to make a "come here" motion)
- say two or more words in addition to "mama" or "dada"
What you can do
Play a lot with your 1-year-old! The simplest of activities, such as filling and pouring things from containers, emptying cabinets, and sorting, can provide hours of entertainment for your child. You'll continue to be surprised at how quickly she picks up new skills and understandings.