Month 12

Physical Developments:

- the baby now weighs 21 ½ pounds and is 29 ¾ inches long

- If the baby is not walking by himself at this point, he is at least getting around with very little outside help

Mental Developments:

- the baby's memory has increased and he is able to recall events as well as information that he has learned

- the baby may show interest in particular areas such as animals or cars and will remember words he has been taught which are relevant to these areas

Senses and Reflex Development:

- the baby will definitely be displaying which hand he prefers to use by this age

Social Development:

- the baby is showing greater independence. He may insist on feeding himself and attempt to dress himself

- the baby will show affection by kissing and hugging

Week 50

Physical Developments:

- the baby weighs 21 ¾ pounds and is 29 ¾ inches long

- the baby can now walk without aid and is able to pick himself up from the floor and lower himself to the floor safely

- the baby will sleep longer at night and less during the day

Mental Developments:

- the baby may begin putting words together

Senses and Reflex Development:

- the baby will continue his curious and exploratory nature. His dexterity and strength have both developed to the point that he can remove lids of containers to see what they hold

Social Development:

- the baby may refuse to try new foods that look or smell strange to him

Week 51

Physical Developments:

- the baby now weighs 21 ¾ pounds and is 30 inches long

- the baby will now climb up and down stairs without help

Mental Developments:

- the baby continues to practice words he knows already and attempts to expand his vocabulary

Senses and Reflex Development:

- the baby has learned the correct use for many of the objects that he has played with and admired over the last 11 months

Social Development:

- the baby will show affection to those he knows well enough

- the baby will resist being put down for a nap

- the baby may also resist wearing clothes and may take them off after being dressed

Week 52

Physical Developments:

- the baby now weighs 22 pounds and is 30 inches long

- the baby will be walking independently now but will still use furniture to support his walking in some instances and will still crawl

- the baby may try and succeed at climbing out of his crib or play pen

Mental Developments:

- the baby can now understand a great deal of what is said to him but is unable to respond vocally in a very detailed manner; expressions maybe his best response

Senses and Reflex Development:

- the baby's dexterity will show more improvement and his handling of objects will be more complex

Social Development:

- the baby may have found a toy, stuffed animal, or doll that he is particularly fond of and will look after it intently

- the baby will have a fit when he does not get his way

- the baby will have an obvious sense of humor and will laugh when he finds something humorous

The baby should be able to walk on his own, but will still need and use the support of furniture around him on occasion. The baby's vocabulary will consist of a few words that he will use repeatedly. He will imitate sounds that he hears including those of animals such as dogs and cats. The baby will indicate his desires by pointing to and gesturing at objects. The baby should be able to feed himself most of the time and will assist his caretakers in dressing him. He loves jokes and kisses. He will try to show affection.

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