Your Baby's

9 - 12 Months Journey

Every day brings something new!
Your baby is gaining independence, building skills and getting ready for the next big steps.

Tip for this stage

Celebrate small wins, encourage exploration and keep routines consistent for confidence and security.

Month 10

What to expect
  • Baby may be moving around much more independently.
  • Crawling, pulling up and cruising may become favourite activities.
  • Baby is understanding more familiar words and routines.
  • Curiosity grows as baby explores everything within reach.
Tips for you
  • Create safe spaces where baby can move and explore freely.
  • Secure furniture, drawers and other potential hazards.
  • Talk through everyday activities to support language development.
  • Encourage independent eating with suitable finger foods.
Milestones
  • May pull to stand and cruise along furniture.
  • Uses thumb and finger to pick up small objects.
  • May wave, clap or copy simple gestures.
  • Responds to familiar words and simple requests.

Helpful pick

Baby Learning Toy

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Month 11

What to expect
  • Baby may become increasingly confident moving around.
  • Some babies begin standing briefly without support.
  • Communication through sounds and gestures is growing.
  • Baby may enjoy copying your actions during everyday routines.
Tips for you
  • Give baby safe opportunities to practise standing and cruising.
  • Name objects and repeat simple words during play.
  • Encourage self-feeding while always supervising meals.
  • Use simple games to practise gestures and turn-taking.
Milestones
  • May stand briefly without holding on.
  • Moves easily between sitting and crawling.
  • Copies sounds, gestures and facial expressions.
  • May understand simple words such as “no” or “bye-bye”.

Helpful pick

Stacking & Sensory Toy

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Month 12

What to expect
  • Your little one is approaching an exciting first birthday.
  • Some babies may begin taking their first independent steps.
  • Baby's personality, preferences and communication are becoming clearer.
  • Play becomes more purposeful as baby explores how things work.
Tips for you
  • Encourage movement without rushing baby to walk.
  • Keep reading, talking and singing together every day.
  • Offer varied age-appropriate foods and encourage self-feeding.
  • Celebrate progress without comparing baby with others.
Milestones
  • May stand alone or begin taking first steps.
  • Uses gestures such as waving or pointing.
  • May say a few simple words or meaningful sounds.
  • Enjoys interactive games and imitates familiar actions.

Helpful pick

First Birthday Essentials

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← Previous: 6–9 Months

One whole year together!

From bump to baby, look how far you've both come.

Celebrate Baby’s First Birthday
9–12 Months Tips

Movement, feeding, communication, play and first-birthday guidance.

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Shop 9–12 Months Essentials

Helpful picks for active, curious and increasingly independent babies.

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9–12 Months Overview

Return to the main stage page and explore baby's final chapter before one.

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We're here to support you throughout baby's first year.

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Every baby develops at their own pace. Speak with your healthcare professional if you have any concerns about feeding, growth or development.