Baby Development Milestones - 15 Months
Toys and other things to consider buying
Understanding Your Baby's Milestones: What Most Babies Do by 15 Months of Age
Watching your baby grow and reach new milestones is an exciting journey filled with joy and discovery. By understanding the various stages of development, you can better support your baby's growth. Here's a comprehensive guide to what most babies achieve by this age, focusing on social/emotional, language/communication, cognitive, and physical milestones.
Social/Emotional Milestones
At this stage, your baby is becoming more socially aware and emotionally expressive. You'll notice several social and emotional milestones, including:
- Copies other children while playing: For example, your baby may take toys out of a container when they see another child doing the same. This indicates their growing ability to learn by observation.
- Shows you an object they like: Your baby will bring you objects they find interesting, demonstrating their desire to share and communicate with you.
- Claps when excited: Clapping hands when excited is a clear sign of joy and emotional expression.
- Hugs stuffed dolls or other toys: Hugging their favorite toys shows your baby's developing sense of affection and attachment.
- Shows you affection: Your baby will hug, cuddle, or kiss you, expressing their love and attachment.
Language/Communication Milestones
Your baby's language and communication skills are rapidly developing. By this age, you can expect to see the following milestones:
- Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada”: Your baby may attempt to say words like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog, showing their progress in language development.
- Looks at a familiar object when you name it: When you name a familiar object, your baby will look at it, indicating their understanding and recognition of words.
- Follows directions given with both a gesture and words: For example, your baby will give you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, “Give me the toy.” This demonstrates their ability to comprehend and follow simple instructions.
- Points to ask for something or to get help: Pointing is a way for your baby to communicate their needs and seek assistance.
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
Cognitive development is all about exploring, learning, and problem-solving. By this age, your baby will exhibit several cognitive milestones, including:
- Tries to use things the right way: Your baby will attempt to use objects like a phone, cup, or book correctly, showing their understanding of how things work.
- Stacks at least two small objects: Stacking blocks or other small objects demonstrates your baby's developing hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills.
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
Physical development is crucial for your baby's mobility and coordination. Here are some milestones to watch for:
- Takes a few steps on their own: Your baby may take their first independent steps, a significant milestone in physical development.
- Uses fingers to feed themselves some food: Your baby will use their fingers to pick up and eat small bits of food, showing improved fine motor skills.
WHAT CAN YOU DO for your 15 Month old?
As your child's first teacher, you play a vital role in their learning and brain development. Here are some simple and safe tips and activities to help your child thrive. If you have any questions or need more ideas, consult with your child's doctor and teachers.
- Help your child learn to speak: Acknowledge that early words are often incomplete. Repeat and add to what they say. For example, if your child says “ba” for ball, you can respond with, “Ball, yes, that’s a ball.”
- Identify objects your child points to: When your child points to an object, name it and wait a few seconds to see if they make any sounds before handing it to them. If they do make a sound, acknowledge it and repeat the name of the object. For example, “Yes! Cup.”
- Involve your child in everyday activities: Find ways to let your child help with daily tasks. For instance, let them fetch their shoes to go outside, put snacks in the bag for the park, or place socks in the basket.
Your involvement and encouragement can make a significant impact on your child's development. Enjoy these precious moments and watch your child grow! For personalized advice or additional ideas, don't hesitate to reach out to your child's healthcare providers.
TOYS and OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER BUYING
At 15 months old, your baby is curious, mobile, and eager to explore their environment. Here are some toy recommendations that can support their development and keep them engaged:
Motor Skill Toys
- Ride-on toys: Encourage walking and balance as your child pushes or rides on them.
- Push toys: Help improve balance and coordination while encouraging walking.
- Stacking rings and cups: Develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- Balls: Soft, lightweight balls for rolling and throwing help develop gross motor skills.
- Crawl tunnels: Encourage crawling and exploring, promoting physical activity and coordination.
Sensory Toys
- Soft blocks: Easy to grasp and stack, promoting sensory exploration and motor skills.
- Texture toys: Toys with different textures stimulate the sense of touch and curiosity.
- Teething toys: Safe and chewy toys that babies can explore with their mouths.
- Bath toys: Make bath time fun and engaging while promoting fine motor skills and sensory exploration.
Cognitive Development Toys
- Shape sorters: Encourage problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Nesting toys: Toys that stack or fit inside one another help children understand spatial relationships.
- Cause and effect toys: Toys that respond to actions (e.g., lights, sounds) help babies understand cause and effect.
Interactive Toys
- Interactive books: Books with textures, flaps, and sounds encourage language development and sensory exploration.
- Musical toys: Instruments or toys that play music and sounds help develop auditory skills and rhythm.
- Activity centers: Multi-functional toys with buttons, levers, and sounds that keep babies engaged and stimulate various skills.
- Busy boards: Boards with different activities like switches, knobs, and buttons for hands-on exploration.
- Pretend play sets: Simple kitchen sets, toolsets, or play food encourage imaginative play.
Always prioritize safety by choosing age-appropriate toys that are free from small parts, sharp edges, and toxic materials. Regularly inspect toys for wear and tear to ensure they remain safe for your little one.
Enjoy watching your child explore, learn, and develop with these engaging toys! If you need more personalized recommendations, feel free to ask.
Conclusion
These milestones provide a general overview of what most babies achieve by this age, but it's important to remember that every baby is unique. Some may reach these milestones earlier or later than others, and that's perfectly normal. If you have any concerns about your baby's development, consult with your baby's doctor for personalized guidance and reassurance.
Witnessing your baby reach new milestones is a testament to their incredible growth and development. Celebrate these moments and enjoy the journey as your baby continues to learn and explore the world around them.
Feel free to reach out for more personalized guidance or ideas to support your baby's growth and development!
Useful Websites
https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/parenthood/developmental-milestones-baby
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
https://www.michigan.gov/mikidsmatter/parents/infant/milestones
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22063-baby-development-milestones-safety