By 1 year, what should my child be able to say and do?
Say
May be starting to use some single words.
Knows the names of familiar things, such as māmā and teddy.
Uses their words and gestures to be social, to ask and to show.
Do
Responds to common words such as "no!" and "bye bye".
Will show you objects to get your attention.
Enjoys repetitive games with others, such as 'peek a boo'.
Takes turns in conversations with adults by babbling; for example, "mumma mumma"
Is starting to show an interest in looking at pictures in books
Enjoys listening to songs and nursery rhymes
What are some tips to help my baby's communication development at 1 year?
- get face to face with your baby
- reduce background noise when playing and talking with your baby; for example, turn off the TV
- copy your baby's babbling and take turns in a 'conversation'
- talk to your baby when doing things together; for example, bath time, mealtimes
Acknowledgements
The content on this page has been produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and adapted from Much more than words | Manuka takoto, kawea ake (2014).
References
If you would like to look at anything in more detail, this list of references might be a good starting point.
