1 Year Old Development: Milestones, Behaviour and What to Expect

Every child grows and develops in their own unique way - there’s no single path or perfect timeline. The early years are a time of incredible change and it’s completely normal for children to move through different stages at their own pace. You might notice your child showing skills or behaviours that overlap across several age groups or developing certain abilities earlier or later than expected - that’s all part of their individual journey and you might find it useful to read those posts too.

It’s also worth remembering that there can be a big difference between a child who has just turned one and one who is nearly two. Development doesn’t happen in a straight line; it’s full of leaps, pauses and moments of sudden growth. Children thrive when they feel loved, understood, important and safe - something I have talked about a great deal here. When these foundations are in place, their brains are ready and eager to learn and they stand the best possible chance of developing new skills.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the common themes in a one-year-old’s development - from relationships and emotions, to language, thinking and physical skills. This isn’t a checklist, but a way to understand and celebrate how your child is growing right now.

What Is Normal Behaviour for a 1-Year-Old?

At around one year, babies are curious, determined and full of energy. Development at this stage can vary widely - some are walking, others are still crawling and both are perfectly normal.

Typical behaviours might include:

• Crying or becoming upset when you leave (separation anxiety is common)

• Feeling unsure around new people

• Dropping or throwing objects to see what happens

• Repeating actions over and over (repetition helps them learn)

• Reacting strongly when they're told “no”

• Putting arms out to help when getting dressed

• Not being able to sit still - they’re driven to explore!

• Not yet able to understand logic or reason

Remember: development isn’t linear - every child moves through these stages in their own time.

Communication and Language Development at 1 Year Old

At this age, communication is blossoming. Babies are learning that their sounds and gestures have meaning.

You might notice your 1-year-old:

• Takes turns ‘talking’ by babbling and waiting for your response

• Points or gestures to share interests (“Look!”)

• Begins using simple words like mama or dada (although pronunciation may not be clear)

• Chooses between two options when asked (“Do you want the teddy or the blocks?”)

• Understands more words than they can say

💡 Tip: Narrate what you’re doing, respond to their sounds and name what they point at - this is how we build strong foundations for communication.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development 

Your 1-year-old is learning all about relationships and how they feel about those that they know and those they don’t.

Around this stage, you may notice that your child:

• Is shy around strangers

• Shows clear preferences for familiar people and toys

• Seeks comfort and reassurance from trusted adults

• Enjoys social games like peek-a-boo or clapping

These are all signs that your baby is forming secure attachments - the foundation for healthy emotional growth.

Physical Development 

One-year-olds are constantly moving - building balance, coordination and strength through play.

You might notice:

• Pulling to stand and lowering back down

• Cruising along furniture or taking first steps

• Picking up small objects using thumb and finger (pincer grip)

• Poking, grasping and exploring with hands and mouth

✨ Tip: Provide safe spaces for movement and exploration - every wobble and tumble helps build confidence and control. Follow your child’s lead.

Key Takeaways for Parents

• Development varies - there’s no ‘right’ timeline.

• Focus on connection: love, warmth and understanding help your child thrive.

• Encourage exploration through play, song and everyday interaction.

• If you’re ever worried about your child’s development, trust your instincts and reach out to a health professional.

2 Year Old Development: Milestones, Behaviour and What to Expect

Hi, I’m Emma, Early Childhood Expert and founder of Everyday. My goal is simple: help parents understand their children better, so connection deepens, guidance becomes clearer and every stage feels a little brighter. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the extraordinary - it’s about the everyday.