Your 13-month-old's development

Written by the BabyCentre UK team
Approved by the BabyCentre Medical Advisory Board

Standing and walking


At 13 months, about three-quarters of toddlers are walking on their own -- albeit unsteadily. If yours still hasn't stopped using furniture or other objects to support herself, it just means that walking on her own is going to take a little longer. Some children don't walk until 17 or 18 months or even later. But whether cruising around the room, holding onto furniture, or toddling, the important thing for her is that she is moving on her own; she no longer has to wait to be lifted and carried or pushed, and the world is opening up.


Exploring and discovering


With her new walking legs, your child can roam where her growing curiosity takes her -- examining the cat up close, and then suddenly backing away if it frightens her. This is a great achievement.


Grasps and manipulates objects


As she gets better at using her legs, she's also getting more skilled at using her hands. Most 13-month-olds are able to grab a block and drop it into a container; some are already able to scribble. She might be able to grip a spoon, but don't expect her to be using it with consistent success yet.


Grows more slowly and eats less


Don't be surprised when your formerly super-hungry baby starts to eat less. Between birth and their first birthdays, babies typically triple in weight and add 25 cm/10 in to their height. But between her first and second birthdays, your child's growth rate will slow considerably, and she'll start to lose her baby fat. Expect the amount she eats every day, as well as her food likes and dislikes, to vary.


Communicates and understands


She's got the hang of using "dada," "mama," plus a few other recognisable words. Without much vocabulary, she's worked out how to make her desires known. When she wants to get down, she'll point down; when she wants your attention, she'll tug your shirt. She's also understanding a good percentage of the simple language you use around her every day.


Lives mostly in the here and now


Your toddler's play mostly involves experimentation, like "What happens if I drop the plastic cup?" or "What happens if I rub my fingers in the gravy?" She likes to watch what happens after she does something, and because her memory isn't well developed she is not bored by repetition.


Immunisation update


When your toddler is between 12 and 15 months old, your GP or health visitor will offer measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and group C meningitis immunisation. You can find out about them on our Immunisation Scheduler.