The listed milestones below will give you a general idea of the changes you can expect. Do not be alarmed if your own baby’s development takes a slightly different course and/or pace.
By the end of 12 months
- Shy or anxious with strangers
- Cries when mother or father leaves
- Enjoys imitating people in his/her play
- Shows specific preferences for certain people and toys
- Tests parental responses to his/her actions during feeding
- Tests parental responses to his/her behavior
- May be fearful in some situations
- Prefers mother and/or regular caregiver over all others
- Repeats sounds or gestures for attention
- Finger-feeds him/herself
- Extends arm or leg to help when being dressed
By the end of 2 year (24 months)
- Imitates behavior of others, especially adults and older children
- More aware of him/herself as separate from others
- More excited about company of other children
- Demonstrates increasing independence
- Begins to show defiant behavior
- Separation anxiety increases toward midyear then fades
By the end of 5 year (60 months)
- Wants to please friends
- Wants to be like his/her friends
- More likely to agree to rules
- Likes to sing, dance, and act
- Shows more independence and may even visit a next-door neighbor by herself
- Aware of gender
- Able to distinguish fantasy from reality
- Sometimes demanding, sometimes eagerly cooperative