Between 6 and 12 months, your baby begins to explore the world—sitting, crawling, babbling, and showing stronger social connections. This stage often marks the first signs of individual personality, curiosity, and communication.

But sometimes, development may not follow the expected pace. As a pediatrician, I often tell parents: "Delays are not your fault—but ignoring them can delay the help your child needs."

This guide will help you recognize key red flags between 6–12 months and know when to act.

What to Expect by 12 Months

These are general milestones most babies reach between 6–12 months. Each child may reach them at slightly different times—but large delays in one or more areas deserve attention.

Motor

• Sits without support (by ~8 months)

• Pulls to stand

• Begins crawling or moving around

• Transfers objects between hands

• Picks up small items using thumb and finger (pincer grasp)

Language

• Babbles with changing tone (“ba-ba”, “da-da”)

• Responds to name

• Understands simple words like “no” or “bye-bye”

• Looks toward sounds

Social & Emotional

• Recognizes familiar faces

• Shows stranger anxiety

• Enjoys playing peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake

• Cries when parent leaves

Cognitive

• Explores toys by banging, shaking, mouthing

• Searches for hidden objects (object permanence)

• Copies simple actions like clapping

Red Flags: Signs That Warrant Concern

Watch for these signs if your child is between 6 and 12 months:

By 9 Months:

• Doesn’t bear weight on legs when held upright

• Doesn’t sit without support

• Doesn’t babble (“ba-ba”, “da-da”)

• Doesn’t show interest in games like peek-a-boo

• Doesn’t transfer toys hand to hand

• Doesn’t respond to familiar voices

By 12 Months:

• Doesn’t crawl or move around purposefully

• Cannot stand even with support

• Doesn’t search for things you hide

• Doesn’t say simple words like “mama” or “dada”

• Doesn’t point to things

• Shows little interest in interacting with others

If your baby shows several of these signs—or seems to be losing skills they once had—seek guidance without delay.

What Should Parents Do?

If you notice delays:

• Talk to your pediatrician early—don’t wait until the 1-year check-up.

• Ask for a developmental screening—tools like ASQ or M-CHAT can help guide next steps.

• Don’t rely on “wait and watch” advice if your gut says something’s off.

• Start early intervention services if needed—therapy before 18 months can make a big impact.

What Could These Signs Mean?

Some possible causes for delay in this age group include:

• Hearing loss (especially post-infections)

• Neuromuscular conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (early signs may begin here)

• Cerebral palsy or low muscle tone

• Environmental neglect or under-stimulation

Even if the cause isn’t clear, starting early support helps boost your child’s development significantly.

What’s the Next Step?

1. Track your child’s skills weekly using a milestone chart.

2. If 2 or more delays are noticed, book a pediatric consult.

3. Ask for referrals—speech therapy, physiotherapy, or early intervention programs.

4. Stay involved—you play the biggest role in your baby’s growth.

Free Download

Download your 6–12 Month Milestone Checklist