Child Development Milestones: 6 to 12 Months

Level: Intermediate

Between 6 and 12 months, babies start to move around, understand more words, and show strong feelings about the people they love. This is also when separation anxiety often starts, so this age can be challenging for nannies.

What you might see

Movement

Most babies sit without support by around 6 to 9 months.

Many start to crawl between 7 and 10 months. Some shuffle on their bottom instead, and some never crawl at all. This is normal.

They pull themselves up to stand, then walk while holding onto furniture ("cruising").

Some take their first steps around 12 months, but many walk later.

By around 9 to 10 months, they can pick up small things between their thumb and finger (the "pincer grip").

Communication

Babbling becomes more like real talking, with sounds like "mamama" and "dadada".

They turn when they hear their name.

They understand simple words like "no", "bye-bye" and "milk".

They start to point, wave and clap.

Some say their first word around 12 months.

Social and emotional

Many babies become shy with strangers.

They may cry when a parent leaves. This is called separation anxiety, and it shows the baby has a strong, healthy attachment.

They love games like peekaboo.

Thinking

They learn that things still exist when they can't see them. That's why peekaboo is so exciting!

They drop things on purpose and watch you pick them up, again and again.

How you can help

Give them safe floor space to practise moving. Check the room for dangers first.

Name everything. "That's a dog. Woof woof! A big brown dog."

Read books together every day. Point at the pictures and name them.

Play peekaboo, clapping games and songs with actions.

Make goodbyes calm and short. A simple routine helps: "Mummy's going to work. Give her a wave. She'll be back after tea." Never let a parent sneak out without saying goodbye, as this can make separation anxiety worse. Agree on a routine with the parents.

When to talk to the parents

Mention it if the baby:

can't sit without support by around 9 months

doesn't babble or make different sounds

doesn't respond to their name by around 12 months

doesn't point, wave or use gestures by around 12 months

doesn't bear any weight on their legs when you hold them standing

stops doing something they could do before

Useful phrases

"She crawled all the way across the room today!"

"He cried when you left, but he calmed down after about five minutes."

"I think he said 'ball' today. He pointed at it and said 'ba'."

Vocabulary

WordMeaning

to crawlto move on hands and knees

to cruiseto walk while holding onto furniture

pincer grippicking things up between thumb and finger

separation anxietywhen a child is upset when a parent leaves

to pointto show something with your finger

Next in the series: Child Development Milestones: 1 to 2 Years →