top of page

Motor Milestones for 1-Year-Olds

What to expect as your baby begins to stand, step, and explore

At around 12 months, many babies are eager to move pulling to stand, cruising along furniture, or even taking their first independent steps. This is a stage full of discovery, as your child starts using their body in new ways to connect with the world.

In this guide, you’ll find a gentle overview of typical motor skills seen around age one, including both gross and fine motor abilities.

Motor Milestones for 1-Year-Olds

Gross Motor Skills

Whole-body movements that support balance and exploration

By around 12 months, many children are learning to:

  • Pull to stand using furniture

 

  • Walk while holding hands or cruising along furniture

 

  • Stand independently for a few seconds

 

  • Begin walking on their own (often between 12–15 months)

 

  • Squat to pick up toys and stand back up

 

  • Climb onto low furniture or a single step (with supervision)

​

  • Throw soft objects with some control

Some babies walk earlier, others take a bit more time both are normal within the expected range.

Fine Motor Skills

Hand movements that support play, feeding, and learning

At this stage, many children are able to:

  • Pick up small items using thumb and forefinger (pincer grasp)

 

  • Transfer objects from one hand to the other

 

  • Bang two objects together

 

  • Drop and pick up objects on purpose

 

  • Place toys in and out of containers

 

  • Turn pages in a board book (a few at a time)

 

  • Feed themselves using fingers and start exploring with a spoon

 

  • Point with one finger to indicate interest

Babies this age still explore with their hands and mouths it's a natural part of learning!

Gentle Reminder

Every baby develops on their own timeline but that timeline still falls within an expected range. For example, independent walking typically emerges between 12 and 18 months. Some babies start early, others closer to the later side and both can be completely typical.

 

However, if your child isn’t showing progress toward key milestones or seems delayed beyond the expected age range, it may be worth checking in. The earlier we notice a potential delay, the easier it is to support your child’s development in a way that feels empowering and effective.

 

Here at PRIMES, we specialize in early motor development and are here to guide you. Whether you're simply curious, have concerns, or want a professional perspective we’re happy to help.

bottom of page