Your Baby's 12th Month

New Napping Patterns

Around 12 months (or more likely in the next few months), you'll notice Baby starting to change his nap schedule. He is transitioning to one long nap per day. He may start to push the morning nap later, and then refuse to go down for a second one in the afternoon. Or, he may settle down for the morning nap at the usual time but sleep for longer.

Some babies adapt in one day to the new nap routine and others take months. You may have to step in and keep him up later in the morning so that he can settle down for a good long nap in the afternoon. This may provide some fussiness in the late morning since he is tired.

Also, children can develop a routine based on when others are napping at childcare. Talk to your childcare provider about his changing nap routine. Pretty soon, you'll be able to put your feet up for a good two hours in the afternoon at a predicable time everyday. (Do you know your sleep stuff? Click here to test your baby sleep IQ!)

Celebrate Sensibly—and Sensitively

When your baby celebrates his first birthday, you deserve congratulations! You get a pat on the back for having survived your first year of parenting. And you may feel as though a gala is in order to mark this special occasion.

But let's be honest: Baby's first party can be just as much (if not more) of a celebration for parents than it is for Baby. Just think back to this time 10 months ago, as you were trying to stablize yourself as a parent.

Try to remember though, that while he is a whopping year old—and appears more curious and independent than he ever has up till now—your little one is still a baby. If he is on the sensitive side, a big celebration with streamers, balloons, cake, and many happy adult faces beaming at him may be all he needs to send him over the edge into tears and clinginess. By all means, we do want you to celebrate—just be sure you plan with your baby in mind. Get started with our First Birthday Party Planning Guide.

More Development Help

As you're considering your child's development, keep in mind that all babies are unique. Whether your baby reaches milestones early or late, she has her own developmental path to follow. The dividing lines between these months are very fuzzy. If you have any concerns or questions about your baby's development, please check with her healthcare provider.

• Use our Development Tracker to check off Baby's 8 to 12 month milestones.
• What's the most common medical concern for babies this age? Check it out!

Now...Let's Take a Closer Look at Each Week

• Week 48: Developing the Pincer Grasp
• Week 49: Improving Memory
• Week 50: Social Referencing
• Week 51: Emerging First Words
• Week 52: The Importance of Pointing

Remember what was happening last month or learn what to expect in Baby's next few months.