Your Baby at 1 Year
Explore this age stage using information from approved sources and TalkPebble parent guidance.
About this age
This page brings together CDC developmental milestone information for around 1 year and TalkPebble ideas for everyday connection.
Developmental areas
Important: TalkPebble's milestone information is for educational and developmental monitoring purposes. It is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace standardized developmental screening or professional evaluation.
CDC-derived milestones
Social / Emotional
- Plays games with you, like pat-a-cake
Language / Communication
- Waves “bye-bye”
- Calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name
- Understands “no” (pauses briefly or stops when you say it)
Cognitive
- Puts something in a container, like a block in a cup
- Looks for things they see you hide, like a toy under a blanket
Movement / Physical Development
- Pulls up to stand
- Walks, holding on to furniture
- Drinks from a cup without a lid, as you hold it
- Picks things up between thumb and pointer finger, like small bits of food
AYJNISHD reference
Listening & Speech
Listening and speech development builds over time. These observations from AYJNISHD describe examples of auditory responses and speech and language development across early childhood.
AYJNISHD reference: 9 to 18 months
Auditory Response
- Looks up when called
- Understands words such as “no”
- Responds to simple commands
Speech & Language Development
- Uses their voice to get attention
- First words may be heard during this period
- Imitates some sounds made by others
- Gradually builds a vocabulary of meaningful words by 18 months
Have concerns about listening or speech?
If you notice a persistent concern about your child's response to sounds or speech and language development, consider discussing it with a qualified healthcare or communication professional.
Explore TalkPebble support resourcesReference source
Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan)
Government of India
Auditory & Speech Milestones
View sourceTalkPebble guidance
Support for everyday moments
TalkPebble-created ideas for turning everyday moments into opportunities to connect.
What this can look like
- Your baby may wave at a familiar goodbye, use a special name, or point while sharing a moment with you.
Try it at home
- When your baby points or tries a sound, name what they mean and pause.
- During handwashing or dressing, sing a short phrase about what you are doing.
What to say
- “Bye-bye, grandma!”
- “You want the cup. Cup!”
- “We’re washing hands.”
What to notice
- Waves during a familiar routine
- Uses a special name
- Looks for something you hide
- Points or reaches to share interest
Why it helps
Following your baby’s lead and adding simple words makes familiar routines rich in communication.
Try a TalkPebble activity
- Snack Choices
Offer two options and hold them up so your child can see both. Pause, then respond warmly to whatever way they let you know — a look, a point, a sound or a word.
- Bubble Play
Blow a few bubbles, then hold the wand still and wait. Bubbles create a natural reason for your child to ask for “more” again and again.
- Reading Together
Follow your child’s lead instead of every word on the page. Talk about what they point at, and let them turn the pages at their own pace.
Keep practicing with TalkPebble
Use simple everyday activities to build on the moments you are already sharing.
Have concerns about your child's development?
You know your child best. If you have concerns about your child's development, talk with your child's healthcare professional and ask about developmental screening.
Explore TalkPebble support resourcesSource
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Learn the Signs. Act Early.
Milestones by 1 Year
View sourceDevelopmental milestone information is based on the CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. program. TalkPebble is not affiliated with or endorsed by the CDC.