Your baby

Your baby is off – into everything, exploring the world, wobbling up and down, heading for the stairs… Some babies start walking at around a year, with the support of furniture or your hand, and some may even take a few steps alone. But babies develop at very different rates, so there’s really no need to worry if your baby seems happy to take things more slowly.

Not only is your baby becoming more mobile, but his co-ordination is improving apace. Whether he’s picking up finger foods, getting busy with toys, or popping tiny objects straight into his mouth, you won’t be able to turn your back for a second!

As your baby’s memory improves, his emotional and social reactions are now much clearer. He may wave goodbye, be shy of strangers, hug and kiss you, cry when you leave the room and laugh at a funny toy or picture.

Your baby will also babble just as if talking in sentences - mimicking speech patterns, facial expressions and tones of voice - another sure sign that he’s getting ready to talk. You baby may learn to call you ‘Mama’ or ‘Dada’. And yes, he probably understands the word ‘no’ – though may not appreciate it!

Your life

However much you’ve looked forward to your baby’s first steps, you may not have been prepared for quite how tiring it is looking after your energetic toddler. By the age of one, your baby probably has given up the morning nap, but even though your baby is sleeping less in the daytime, you may find bedtime is more and more difficult to manage.

Babies of this age are often restless, far too busy learning to stand up to want to lie down for bed time. But by maintaining a regular routine - perhaps with a book, a lullaby and a cuddle - you can help your baby learn to accept bedtime and regain valuable time for yourself.

If the tears start when you leave the room, it can be upsetting for both you and your baby. Rather than leaving your baby to cry it out, or giving into another play session late at night, you may find it easier to comfort your baby with a few reassuring words, then leave again. Eventually your baby will understand the routine and fall asleep again, so you can enjoy a quiet night… at last.

Things to think about or try

Now that your baby’s into everything, here are some toys and games that your baby will love:

A toy phone, so he can imitate adult actions, gestures and sounds.

Containers with lids that he can open and practise putting objects inside.

A fat crayon and paper to scribble on.

Bricks for building towers.

Books with large pictures of single objects that you can name.

Shape sorters, which encourage him to match shapes and increase his dexterity.

Activity toys: toys with buttons to press or turn that make sounds.

Bath toys now he can sit unsupported and splash about.

Peek-a-boo helps him to realise that even when he can’t see you, you are still there.