Your baby is now 10–12 months old, heading toward their very first birthday. These weeks are all about confidence, curiosity, and connection.
They’re likely more mobile, more vocal, and showing you glimpses of the toddler they’re about to become. This stage can feel busy and challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding as their personality shines through.
What’s Happening with Your Baby in Weeks 45–52?
Standing and walking. Some babies take their first steps around 11–12 months, while others prefer crawling or cruising longer (both are normal).
Climbing and exploring. They may climb stairs, sofas, or low furniture—safety proofing is essential.
More precise hand skills. They can stack blocks, put objects in containers, and turn pages in books.
Gestures with meaning. Waving, clapping, pointing, and shaking their head for “no” become part of their communication.
Early words. Some babies say their first intentional words like “mama,” “dada,” or “bye-bye.”
Simple problem-solving. They might push a toy out of the way to reach another one or mimic how you use objects like a spoon or phone.
Their understanding of the world and relationships is deepening—they recognize routines, familiar faces, and even show preferences for certain toys or people.
Feeding: Toward a Toddler Meal Routine
By the end of the first year, solids make up a larger part of their nutrition, while breastmilk or formula still provides support.
Offer 3 balanced meals and 1–2 snacks per day.
Serve a variety of textures—soft finger foods, small pieces of family meals, and thicker mashed foods.
Encourage self-feeding with finger foods and practice with a spoon.
Offer water in an open cup or straw cup at meals.
At 12 months, babies can start transitioning from formula or breastmilk to whole milk (or a pediatrician-approved alternative).
Toddler-Friendly Foods
Cooked vegetables cut into bite-sized pieces
Small pasta shapes, rice, couscous, or quinoa
Soft fruits like berries, banana, mango, melon
Protein-rich foods like shredded chicken, soft fish, beans, tofu, or lentils
Dairy options like plain yogurt or mild cheese
Continue avoiding choking hazards like whole nuts, hard chunks of raw veggies, popcorn, or large fruit pieces.
Poop and Digestion
With more variety in meals:
Stools will look more like adult poop—firmer, darker, and more odorous.
Mild constipation can still happen when introducing new foods; offer water and fiber-rich fruits.
Any persistent blood, very pale stools, or extreme constipation should be discussed with a pediatrician.
Mobility and Safety
As they approach toddlerhood, mobility is in full swing:
Confident crawlers may transition to walkers.
Babies who walk may quickly begin running, climbing, and reaching higher areas.
They’re curious about drawers, cabinets, and anything that opens or closes.
Baby-proofing needs to be updated—secure furniture, lock cabinets, and keep sharp or heavy objects out of reach.
Sleep Patterns
By 11–12 months:
Most babies are on 2 naps per day or starting to transition to 1 longer nap closer to 12 months.
Awake times are about 3–4 hours between naps.
Night sleep is more stable, but milestones like walking or talking may briefly disrupt sleep.
A consistent routine still helps with smoother nights.
Playtime and Learning
Play is now interactive, purposeful, and full of imitation:
Stacking blocks, shape sorters, or nesting cups.
Ball play—rolling, throwing, or chasing soft balls.
Cause-and-effect toys like pop-up boxes.
Simple pretend play like feeding a doll or using a toy phone.
Reading books with big pictures—point to objects and name them.
They’re learning through repetition and watching your every move.
Communication Leaps
Language understanding grows rapidly now:
They may recognize the names of family members, pets, or common objects.
Respond to simple instructions like “come here” or “give it to me.”
Use sounds and gestures together—pointing while babbling to “talk” about something.
Some babies say 1–3 clear words by their first birthday.
Even if they don’t speak many words, they understand far more than they can say.
Preparing for the First Birthday
As you approach 12 months, you’ll also be transitioning routines:
Weaning bottles or breastfeeding sessions if you choose.
Slowly moving toward family-style meals with fewer purees.
Encouraging more independent play and self-feeding.
The first birthday isn’t just a celebration—it’s a marker of how far you’ve both come in one year of growth, learning, and love.
A Gentle Reminder
Weeks 45–52 are the bridge from babyhood to toddlerhood. Your little one is no longer just watching—they’re participating in the world around them, with wobbly steps, tiny words, and big curiosity.
This year has been filled with change, challenges, and beautiful milestones. The next stage brings even more adventure.
What’s Next?
After the first birthday, you’ll enter the toddler stage—walking more confidently, speaking more clearly, and shifting to a toddler diet with whole milk and full family meals. New challenges like tantrums, climbing, and exploring everything will arrive, but so will more laughter, communication, and bonding.