Physical Development

What a difference a year makes! The helpless bundle you brought home from the hospital is a personality in her own right. She's mobile, either crawling, cruising, or walking; happy one moment, sad or introspective the next; she understands much of what you say, and she's probably even speaking a word or two. Most exciting of all, her journey into personhood is just beginning. In the next year, your amazing child will build her language skills so she can communicate with people less familiar with her nonverbal cues than Mom and Dad are. She'll progress from stiff-legged walking to running, jumping, and dancing. And she'll continue to bring boundless joy--as well as occasional frustration--to the lives of the people she loves most.

Social Development

At a year old, your toddler has begun the long, slow progression toward independence. She understands that she's a separate person, and--thanks to your nurturing--she thinks she's pretty darn special! As time goes on and her concept of self grows stronger, she'll have less trouble meeting strangers and leaving you for short periods. But she'll always need your love and support.

Intellectual Development

As your child grows and changes, your job as a parent changes, too. Although protecting her is still a priority, it's equally important to encourage her to explore her world. Striking this balance can be especially hard when your toddler's desire to see, touch, and taste everything conflicts with the needs of other family members. Provide her with safe places to satisfy her curiosity--a low cabinet in the kitchen stocked with unbreakable toys, a corner of the garden with her own kiddie gardening set--while making a few areas, such as your office or her older brother's toy box, off limits. She may protest, but she'll learn a valuable lesson about personal boundaries.

Note: The information above offers general guidelines, but all babies develop differently, and few hit their milestones precisely when the conventional wisdom says they should. If your child was born prematurely, you may want to use your due date as a baseline for following baby's development.