The Age of Pointing

Your baby points at everything — and expects you to tell them what it is! Pointing is an important communication skill and shows that your baby understands that you can share attention together on something.

Development

Walking more steadily — may carry a toy while walking. Falls less often, but it still happens
Points and "comments" — points at things and says sounds or words, wants you to confirm and name what they see
Follows simple instructions — "Can you fetch the shoe?" or "Put it in the basket"
3–5 meaningful words, plus many sounds that resemble words
Actively imitates — tries to do what you do, like sweeping, "talking on the phone", or wiping the table
Starts showing things — holds up a toy to show you, not just to get help

Growth

Boys: Average 10.1 kg / 78 cm (22.3 lb / 30.7 in)
Girls: Average 9.4 kg / 76 cm (20.7 lb / 29.9 in)

Sleep

11–14 hours per day (nighttime sleep 10–12 hours + 1 nap)
Most babies have now transitioned to one midday nap (1.5–2.5 hours)
Separation anxiety can bring protests at bedtime — keep routines consistent

Feeding

Family food in appropriate sizes and textures
Tries to use a spoon themselves — let them practice, even if most lands on the floor
Cup: Practice drinking from an open cup or sippy cup
Appetite varies from day to day — this is normal. Some days your baby eats a lot, other days almost nothing
Whole milk as main drink at meals (max 500 ml / 17 oz dairy products per day)
Vitamin D: Continue with 400 IU (10 mcg) daily

Good to Know

15-month well-baby visit is coming up — your pediatrician will assess walking, language, and social development
MMR vaccine (15 months): The first dose is typically given at 15 months — check your local schedule
Name everything! When your baby points, respond with clear words: "Yes, that's a dog!" This builds vocabulary enormously
Books with pictures are gold right now — your baby loves to point at and hear the names of things

Activity Tip

Animal sounds! Use picture books with animals and make the sounds together. "What does the cow say? Moo!" Your baby will soon try to make the sounds themselves. Great fun and excellent for language development.

Explore on Babysential

Sleep Tracker — Track the transition to one nap
Milestones — Record new skills
Baby — More guides for your baby's development

Tip: When your baby points, take the time to stop and talk about what you see together. These small conversations are incredibly important for language development.