Climbing and Discoveries

Your baby has discovered the stairs — and there's no going back! Climbing is the exciting new skill, and your baby is testing limits everywhere. Meanwhile, vocabulary is growing and your baby is starting to name things they see on their own body.

Development

Climbs stairs with help — holds the railing or your hand, taking one step at a time
Climbs onto furniture — sofas, chairs, and anything else that can be scaled
Names body parts — can point to nose, eyes, mouth, tummy when you ask "Where's your nose?"
8–15 words and many sounds that are approaching words
Parallel play develops — plays alongside other children, observes and copies, but doesn't cooperate yet
Helps with dressing — reaches out an arm for the sleeve, lifts a foot for the shoe

Growth

Boys: Average 10.5 kg / 80 cm (23.1 lb / 31.5 in)
Girls: Average 9.8 kg / 78 cm (21.6 lb / 30.7 in)

Sleep

11–14 hours per day (nighttime sleep 10–12 hours + 1 nap)
One midday nap — some babies start cutting it shorter
Dreams and nightmares can occur. Your baby may wake and cry without being fully awake — stay close and comfort calmly

Feeding

Family food — your baby eats the same as the rest of the family in appropriate sizes
Getting better with the spoon, but still uses fingers most
Drinks from a cup — practice with an open cup, but there will be spills
May have strong opinions about food — offer 2–3 choices rather than asking "What do you want?"
Remember that picky phases are normal and usually temporary
Vitamin D: Continue with 400 IU (10 mcg) daily

Good to Know

Stair safety is important — gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Let your baby practice stairs with you, but never without supervision
Starting daycare or childcare? Many babies start around this age. The settling-in period takes time — be patient
Emotions are big — your baby can go from furious to overjoyed to devastated within seconds. This is normal and relates to immature emotional regulation
Give your baby words for feelings: "You're angry because you couldn't have that. I understand that."

Activity Tip

Head, shoulders, knees and toes! Sing the song and point to the body parts while you sing. Your baby will soon join in and point themselves. Great for body awareness, language, and coordination.

Explore on Babysential

Sleep Tracker — Track sleep and naps
Milestones — Record climbing skills
Baby — More guides for your baby's development

Tip: Let your baby climb — with supervision! Climbing builds strength, coordination, and confidence. A low climbing stool or cushions on the floor provides safe practice.