When your child is over one year old

• Take part and join in activities, like Toddler Stay and Play at Children's Centres.
• Meet with other parents and children, visit local parks, toddler groups and libraries.

Child development

All children develop at their own pace as they learn about themselves, their family and their world.

For information on how your child will grow in their first two years:

• Visit: Your baby's development milestones (UNICEF).

Between one and two years old, your child may:

• Hand you a book when they want to hear a story.
• Cry when you, their parents/carer, leave a room.
• Be shy around strangers.
• Put out an arm or leg to help get dressed.
• Have favourite toys.
• Repeat sounds to get your attention.
• Use basic gestures like waving and say basic words like "mama" and "dada".
• Babble, with sounds more like speech.
• Respond to simple things you say to them.
• Try to repeat words you say.
• Copy movements and gestures.
• Bang objects together.
• Drink from a cup and use other objects correctly.
• Find things that are hidden.
• Look at the right object when it is named.
• Follow simple directions and let go of objects without help.
• Put objects in containers and take them out.
• Take a few steps without support.
• Get into a sitting position without support.
• Pull up to stand and walk while holding onto furniture.

For a parent's guide from birth to five years, with a wealth of information for families, visit: Healthy Early Years.

Parental support to child

• Play social games with them, such as hiding something and getting them to find it.
• Try to get them to help with getting dressed. Ask them to put their leg out or stand up.
• Encourage them to say "hello" and "goodbye" and praise them when they do. This can help their social and emotional development.
• Praise them when they repeat words or try to speak with others.
• Prompt them to point to characters and objects when you are reading to them.
• Give them support and guidance when they play a game.
• Slowly reduce your support as you notice them gaining skills and being able to do some things on their own. Still watch and guide them.
• Place them on safe flat surfaces to help them develop their gross motor skills. (Crawling and moving their arms and legs.)

Advice and support

For general health and learning, see: Advice and support. (New born to 5 years old).

Any other key information and useful websites

Things to think about

If you think you need urgent help (day or night), before you go to any other health service, phone: 111.

• You will be directed straight away to the local service that can help you best.
• It is available anytime, everyday and is free to call from a mobile or landline.

You should phone: 111:

• When you need help fast, but it is not life threatening.
• When you think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service.
• When it is outside of your GP's surgery hours.
• When you do not know who to call for medical help.
• If you do not have a local GP to call.

Important note: For serious and life-threatening emergencies, phone: 999.