12-Month-Old Milestones and Development
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan · Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: 12-month-old milestones: by this age many babies wave bye-bye; call a parent 'mama', 'dada' or another special name; and understand 'no'. These are from the CDC's 12-month checklist (skills 75% of babies show). Every baby develops at their own pace. If your baby loses skills or you're worried, talk to your pediatrician.
TL;DR
- Typical now: waves bye-bye; calls a parent 'mama', 'dada' or another special name.
- WHO median weight: 9.6 kg boys, 8.9 kg girls.
- Talk to your pediatrician early about any concern or lost skills.
Here's what 12-month-old milestones usually look like, how growth compares with WHO standards, and simple ways to support your baby this month. Milestones are a guide, not a test: a wide range is normal.
12-month-old milestones checklist
- Waves bye-bye
- Calls a parent 'mama', 'dada' or another special name
- Understands 'no'
- Plays games like pat-a-cake
- Pulls up to stand and walks holding furniture
- Picks things up with thumb and pointer finger
- Drinks from a cup without a lid as you hold it
The CDC 12-month checklist includes playing games like pat-a-cake, waving bye-bye, calling a parent by a special name, understanding 'no', putting something in a container, looking for things they see you hide, pulling up to stand, walking holding furniture and using a pincer grasp.
Growth at 12 months
| WHO standard at 12 months | Boys | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| Median weight | 9.6 kg (21.2 lb) | 8.9 kg (19.6 lb) |
| Typical weight range (3rd-97th percentile) | 7.8-11.8 kg | 7.1-11.3 kg |
| Median length | 75.7 cm (29.8 in) | 74.0 cm (29.1 in) |
WHO growth standards are what the CDC recommends for children under 2. A single number matters less than your baby following their own curve over time. Check a measurement with the growth percentile calculator and see average baby weight by month.
How to support development this month
- Pat-a-cake and action songs
- Hide-and-find games
- Cup practice at meals
You don't need special toys. Talking, reading, floor time and responding to your baby's cues do most of the work.
Feeding and sleep at this age
Feeding: whole milk in a cup with meals; formula no longer needed for most per formula feed, about 3 meals + 2 snacks feeds a day; solids: family foods: 3 meals and 2 snacks. Sleep: 11-14 hours from 12 months (AAP/AASM), with 1-2 naps. See the 12-month-old feeding chart and 12-month-old sleep schedule.
Checkups and when to act early
The 12-month visit usually includes vaccines, growth and development checks. The CDC encourages parents to act early: if your baby is missing milestones, loses skills they once had, or you have any concern, talk to your pediatrician. Don't wait for the next visit. Tot lets you note milestones and growth so you have dates ready for the appointment.
Related: baby development month by month · 11-month-old development · milestone checker · growth chart tracker
Download Tot free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.
Sources
- CDC: Developmental Milestones (Learn the Signs. Act Early.): www.cdc.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
- WHO: Weight-for-age standards: www.who.int (accessed 21 October 2026)
- WHO: Length/height-for-age standards: www.who.int (accessed 21 October 2026)
- CDC: WHO Growth Charts for children under 2: www.cdc.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: Corrected Age for Preemies: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
Medical disclaimer:
Tot and this website give general information only. Feeding, sleep and growth ranges vary; always follow your pediatrician's advice. If your baby is unwell, contact your doctor or emergency services.
FAQ
What should a 12-month-old be doing?
Many 12-month-olds wave bye-bye; call a parent 'mama', 'dada' or another special name; and understand 'no'. Ranges are wide, and premature babies are usually assessed by corrected age.
Is it OK if my 12-month-old hasn't reached a milestone?
Babies develop at different speeds. Mention it at the next checkup, or sooner if your baby has lost skills or you're worried.
How much should a 12-month-old weigh?
The WHO median at 12 months is 9.6 kg for boys and 8.9 kg for girls, but a wide range is healthy. Following a steady curve matters most.
Should I use corrected age for my preemie?
Yes. The AAP advises using corrected age for development and growth until about age 2 or 3. Use the [corrected age calculator](/tools/corrected-age-calculator).
Can I track milestones in Tot?
Tot focuses on feeds, sleep, diapers, growth, vaccines and medicines. Log weight and height to see growth charts over time. [CONFIRM: milestone logging]
Related guides
Track this in Tot
Tot is a free baby tracker app for iPhone and Android that logs breastfeeding, bottle feeds, sleep, diapers, growth, vaccines and medicine, and lets parents share the log with a partner or caretaker.
