At twelve months old, infants go through various developmental milestones and their sleep patterns may undergo some changes as well. Here are some common developmental milestones and sleep patterns for a twelve-month-old:

1. Physical Development:

– Motor Skills: Many twelve-month-olds can crawl, pull themselves up to stand, and may start taking their first steps or walking independently.

– Fine Motor Skills: They can pick up small objects using a pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger), feed themselves with their fingers, and try to use a spoon.

2. Cognitive Development:

– Object Permanence: Infants at this age typically have a better understanding of object permanence, realizing that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight.

– Problem-Solving: They may try to solve simple problems, like fitting shapes into corresponding holes or stacking blocks.

3. Language Development:

– Receptive Language: Babies at this age can understand and respond to simple instructions, such as “Give me the ball” or “Wave bye-bye.”

– Expressive Language: They may start saying a few words, such as “mama,” “dada,” or simple sounds that resemble words.

4. Social and Emotional Development:

– Separation Anxiety: Some infants may experience separation anxiety when separated from their primary caregivers.

– Emotional Bonds: They develop stronger emotional bonds with familiar caregivers and may show preferences for certain individuals.

– Play: They engage in more interactive play, such as imitating others, playing simple games like peek-a-boo, and showing interest in interactive toys.

Regarding sleep, a twelve-month-old typically requires around 12-14 hours of sleep per day, including nighttime sleep and one or two daytime naps. However, every child is unique, and sleep needs can vary. Here’s a general guideline:

– Nighttime Sleep: Infants may sleep for about 10-12 hours at night, with some waking up briefly. They might still wake up for night feedings, but some babies can sleep through the night.

– Daytime Naps: Most twelve-month-olds take two naps a day, each lasting around 1-2 hours. However, some babies may transition to a single longer nap.

It’s important to establish a consistent bedtime routine and create a sleep-friendly environment to promote healthy sleep habits. Remember that individual variations are common, and if you have concerns about your child’s sleep or development, it’s always a good idea to consult with a paediatrician/GP or Dream Sleep Occupational Therapy.

To contact Dream Sleep Occupational Therapy, email info@DreamSleepOT.com.au or visit the website.

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