Ages 9‑12 Months
Cognitive Development
- Read age-appropriate books with your toddler.
- Play action games in which you and your toddler take turns. Try blowing kisses, clapping, or peeking.
- Ask your toddler to help you find lost objects.
- Talk about cause and effect: "You dropped Teddy, so now Teddy is on the floor."
What Your Toddler is Likely to Do
- Try to find objects that you have hidden.
- Try out new actions to reach the same goal, or change old actions through trial and error.
- Connect animals with actions and sounds, such as meows, barks, or chirps.
- Copy the actions of others.
- Develop stronger memory skills.
- Become aware of parents as separate people from him‑ or herself. Your toddler may point when asked, “Who’s Mommy? Who’s Daddy?”
- Recognize own name, when spoken.
- Start to see cause and effect, such as the fact that things fall when dropped.
- Match shapes. For example, your toddler may place a cube in a matching square hole.
Other Things Your Toddler May Do
- Enjoy looking at pictures.
- Point to the correct parts of the body when asked where they are.
- Know that smaller objects fit into larger ones.
- Search more for hidden objects.
- Repeat an action that gets a reaction, such as knocking over blocks.
- Put two ideas together, such as going to another room to get a toy and bringing it back.
- Leave an activity and return to it later.
Introducing Books
It is never too soon to start sharing books together. Toddlers will flip the pages and stare at the pictures. It won’t be long before your toddler is quietly listening to children’s stories while you read. Visit your local library. There are many children’s books that your toddler will enjoy. Make books a part of your toddler’s world.
How You Can Help Cognitive Development
- Continue to breastfeed.
- Praise new accomplishments.
- Keep adding to the range of objects/toys you are providing for your toddler.
- Play action games in which you and your toddler take turns. Try blowing kisses, clapping, or peeking.
- Ask your toddler to help you find lost objects.
- Talk about cause and effect: “You dropped Teddy, so now Teddy is on the floor.”
- Read books with your toddler.
- Play music and encourage dancing and movement.
