Developmental Milestones to Expect in Baby’s Second Year
As your baby grows and approaches their second year, you may start to notice some significant changes in their development. From physical milestones to cognitive and social ones, the second year is full of exciting progress for babies. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the developmental milestones you can expect from your little one in their second year of life.
Physical Milestones
One of the most noticeable changes in the second year is your baby’s physical development. By the time they turn one, most babies can stand and may even take their first steps. As they approach their second year, they will become more confident in their walking and will start to run, jump, and climb. At around 15 months, they may start to use a spoon to feed themselves, and by 18 months, they will be able to use a cup. Some babies may even start to scribble with crayons at this age.
Fine motor skills also continue to improve in the second year. Babies will start to use their fingers to grasp objects and manipulate them more precisely. They may be able to stack blocks, put shapes into a shape sorter, and turn pages of a book. By 18 months, they may even be able to build a simple tower with blocks.
Cognitive Milestones
Babies’ cognitive abilities also develop rapidly in the second year. They will start to understand simple instructions and follow routines. They will begin to recognize familiar objects and people and may even say a few words like “mama” and “dada.” By 18 months, many babies can say ten or more words and can understand simple phrases.
As their language skills develop, they will also start to express themselves more clearly. They may start to use gestures to communicate their needs and wants, such as pointing to their cup when they want a drink. They will also become more curious and will explore their surroundings with more purpose and intent.
Social and Emotional Milestones
Developmental Milestones to Expect in Baby's Second Year
In the second year, babies become more aware of their emotions and the emotions of those around them. They may start to show empathy towards others and may become upset when they see someone crying. They will also start to develop a sense of self and will recognize themselves in the mirror.
Around 12 to 18 months, separation anxiety may also start to kick in as babies become more attached to their primary caregivers. They may become upset when their caregiver leaves and may have trouble being comforted by anyone else. This is a normal part of development and usually fades away as they grow older.
Gross Motor Milestones
In addition to walking and running, the second year is also when babies start to develop other gross motor skills. They may be able to kick a ball, ride a trike, and even start to throw and catch objects. They will also become more confident in their balance and may be able to walk on tiptoes or stand on one foot for a few seconds.
Sleep Milestones
By the second year, most babies will have transitioned to one nap a day, typically in the afternoon. They will also start to sleep for longer stretches at night, with some babies sleeping through the night by 18 months. However, sleep regression is common during this time, so don’t be surprised if your little one starts waking up more frequently at night.
Nutrition Milestones
As your baby approaches their second year, they will start to eat a wider variety of foods. They will also have more control over their eating and may start to refuse certain foods or show preferences for others. To ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients, continue to offer a balanced diet and introduce new foods gradually.
Summary:
The second year of a baby’s life is full of exciting developmental milestones. Physically, they will become more mobile, improve their fine motor skills, and start to use utensils. Cognitively, they will understand more, communicate better, and become more curious. Socially, they will show empathy and develop a sense of self, while also experiencing separation anxiety. They will also develop gross motor skills, sleep patterns, and eating habits. Every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your little one doesn’t reach all these milestones at the exact time frame mentioned. With love, support, and encouragement, they will continue to grow and thrive in their second year.