Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a toddler is developing as expected. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, so some children may gain skills earlier or later than others.

Toddlers who were born prematurely may reach 12-month milestones later. Always talk with your doctor about your child's progress.

Here are things toddlers usually do by the time they are 1 year old:

Communication and Speech Milestones

How Many Words Will My Toddler Say at 12 Months?

Your 1-year-old toddler is a unique person who grows and learns at their own pace. They may be more talkative or less talkative than their peers, so try not to compare. Your toddler may:

• say one or two words plus “mama” and “dada”
• try to imitate the words that you say
• make noises that sound like speech, with facial expressions and pitches
• recognize and understand many words, even if they can’t say them

How Else Can my Toddler Communicate?

Kids this age are learning to communicate in other ways, too. They might:

• wave goodbye
• make gestures, like pointing at a toy
• understand “yes” and “no” (by pausing or stopping when you say it)
• know 1 to 3 body parts and point to them when asked
• know the names of toys or pets and can point to them when asked

Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about your toddler’s language development.

Movement and Physical Milestones

At 1 year old, toddlers are on the go and like to move. They may:

• pull up to stand
• walk holding onto furniture (“cruising”)
• with help, drink from a cup without a lid (even if they spill!)
• pick up things like small pieces of food with their thumb and forefinger
• feel more confident about new challenges, like climbing onto a play area

Social and Emotional Milestones

At 12 months old, toddlers like to interact with you and their surroundings. They are starting to decide where and on whom they focus their attention. They most likely will:

• play pat-a-cake and other games
• cry when a parent or caregiver leaves
• be shy around strangers
• watch for parent reactions to their behavior
• form a strong bond with caregivers
• have favorite toys

Cognitive Milestones (Thinking and Learning)

At 12 months old, your toddler’s thinking and learning abilities are developing quickly. They may be able to:

• put things into a container, like blocks into a box
• look for things that are hidden in front of them, like a book under a blanket
• imitate gestures like waving “bye-bye”
• use objects correctly, like a hairbrush or cup
• follow simple directions, like throwing a ball

Developmental Activities for 1 Year Olds

Parents can help kids develop new skills by speaking to, reading, and interacting with them throughout each day. Skip the “baby talk” and use the correct words for people, places, and things. Speak slowly and clearly — your toddler is listening. Here’s more things to try:

• respond to your child’s gestures by naming the item or person they gesture to, like “Yes, that is a cat.”
• sing and play rhyming games
• identify people and things (such as body parts, pictures, or objects)
• read colorful picture books

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Share your concerns — even little ones — with your child's doctor. If your toddler is not meeting one or more milestones, or you notice that your child had skills but has lost them, tell the doctor.

Discuss any concerns with your pediatrician at your child’s 12-month (1 year) checkup. After that, the 18-month and 2-year checkups include screenings for developmental delays.

To learn more about early signs of developmental problems, go to the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. program.