Baby Development 6-12 Months

Social and Language Skills

You will see great leaps in baby development in terms of social interaction and language in this period. Your baby now knows his name and will spend time trying more and more sounds and syllables which will culminate in his first word. Your baby is completely devoted to you and starts to miss you when you leave. Lots of praise and affection help your baby to know that he is loved even if you can't be with him all the time.

Missing You
At around 7-8 months babies realise that you exist when you are away from them. This means that they miss you when you are not around and may like the comfort of a teddy or blanket for comfort.
Comfort objects have been shown to be of benefit to children right up to 10 years old. As well as providing comfort they can help to give them confidence.

**TIP- If you are starting your baby at creche, considering leaving her with a carer, or going on a holiday then try to avoid doing so between 30-38 weeks. This is the time when babies can be afraid of strangers and can become anxious even in familiar surrounds. Babies can be quite clingy at this age- it is normal and will pass.

First Words
Beyond 9 months your baby is understanding more of what you say and is trying to pronounce her first words. She will spend a great deal of time pointing to objects to get your attention until she gains a better grasp of language. When your baby is babbling to you, talk back. If you think you know what she is trying to say then verbalise it for her to keep encouraging her to find the words for herself. Most babies say their first words with meaning at around 11-12 months.

Sing Song
Spend plenty of time singing rhymes and songs. Baby development studies have shown that babies who are talked and sung to will generally have a better grasp of language as a toddler, giving them a better grounding for school and adulthood. Your baby will also love clapping games like 'Pat-a-cake' and games of anticipation like 'This little piggy' or 'Round and round the garden'.

Playing With Other Kids
From 6-12 months of age you will see a leap in baby development. As a newborn your baby was only interested in faces, toys and his own feet and hands. Now your baby will love being with other children. If you have older siblings you will see the delight they get from each other. Spending time in the company of other children helps your baby to learn important social skills and helps him become his own person away from you.

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