As your baby reaches the
14-month mark, you may notice an exciting array of developmental milestones. Your
child may be confidently walking or still gathering the courage to take their
initial steps. It is normal for them to experience occasional stumbles, falls,
or tumbles, as depth perception and coordination take time to develop. You may
also notice that your child comprehends more of your verbal communication and
may display persistence in engaging with a preferred activity, even when
bedtime approaches. Understanding these milestones can be incredibly helpful
for parents, as they provide insight into the physical, cognitive, and
emotional growth of your little one. In this article, we will discuss the key
developmental milestones for 14-month-old babies and offer tips to support your
child's growth.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Sleep for a 14 month old
At 14-months, the
recommended sleep time is approximately 12 to 14 hours per day. This will be
split as at least 11 hours at night and 2-3 hours during the day, over 1 or 2
naps. It is common at this stage to transition to a single daily nap, and by 15
months, most babies will have transitioned to 1 daily nap, around 2.5 hours
long. To maintain healthy sleep habits, establish a consistent bedtime routine,
provide a comforting sleep environment, and address any sleep issues as they
arise.
The onset of walking in
your 14-month-old might lead to difficulties settling down for naps or bedtime
due to their enthusiasm for exploring their surroundings on two feet. You may
notice that your child resists bedtime or practices walking within their crib. This
behavior is completely normal; your toddler is simply thrilled by their
newfound mobility.
Sleep Tips: How to give your 14-month-old some quality
sleep
1.
Before bed, you can go into more “quiet playtime”, focusing on activities that do not involve walking or
vigorous movement. This can help them gradually transition from an active state
to a more relaxed one.
2.
Limit screen time before bed: Exposure to screens can interfere with the production
of melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Avoid screen time at
least an hour before bedtime to help your child fall asleep more easily.
3.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine: Implement a calming and
predictable routine before bedtime
. This helps signal to your child that it's time to wind
down and prepare for sleep. Create a soothing sleep environment: Ensure your
child's sleep space is comfortable, quiet, and free of distractions. Use
blackout curtains and a noise machine to help block out external stimuli.
4.
Be patient and consistent: Understand that your child's excitement over their
newfound ability to walk is temporary, and with time, they will likely return
to a more regular sleep schedule.
To help monitor your
14-month-old's nap
and sleep schedule
,
consider downloading the Smart Sleep Coach app by Pampers. Developed in
collaboration with pediatricians and sleep experts, this app helps parents
create healthy
sleep habits
, implement
sleep training
methods
, and addresses specific challenges
such as
sleep regression.
Sleep transitions at 14 months
At 14 months, your baby's
sleep needs may change slightly as they continue to grow and develop. It is
important to be aware of these changes and make any necessary adjustments to
their sleep schedule.
Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Transitioning to one nap: Some 14-month-olds may be ready to transition from two
naps per day to just one
.
Pay attention to your child's sleep cues and adjust their schedule gradually,
allowing for a longer midday nap to compensate for the dropped morning or
afternoon nap.
- Sleep disruptions: Teething, illness, or developmental changes can disrupt
your child's sleep. Remain patient and supportive during these periods and
consult your pediatrician if sleep issues persist.
- Encourage self-soothing: At this age, it is important to help your child develop
the ability to self-soothe when they wake up during the night.
Weight and height
At 14 months, the average
weight and height for boys and girls can vary slightly. Keep in mind that these
values are just averages, and each child's growth is unique, but based on World
Health Organization (WHO) growth charts:
Girls weigh on average 21.2 pounds (9.6 kg) and average height
is 30.1 inches (76.5 cm).
Boys weigh on average 22.5 pounds (10.2 kg) and and average
height is 30.7 inches (78 cm).
Remember that growth
trajectories can differ among children. It's essential to focus on your child's
individual progress and avoid comparing them to others. Genetics, nutrition,
and overall health can all impact a child's growth rate. Some children may experience
growth spurts, while others may grow more gradually over time. Your
pediatrician will monitor your child's growth and development at regular
check-ups and can provide personalized guidance based on their unique growth
patterns.
Physical Development
At 14 months, your baby's gross
motor skills are advancing rapidly. They may be able to:
- Walk independently or with support: taking their first steps, walking steadily, or even
starting to run confidently.
- Climb stairs: most babies are just beginning to develop this
skill, and for some it will happen later on. Be sure to assist your child
during this process, and stay nearby to provide support.
- Squat and stand back up: picking up objects and then standing up without losing
their balance.
- Push and pull: pushing a toy stroller, wagon, or other objects will be
a great way for them to explore their surroundings, and helps improve their
balance and coordination.
To support the development of gross motor skills at this
age, here's what you can do:
- Create a safe
exploration space:
Childproof your home and ensure there is
sufficient room for your child to practice walking, climbing, and other gross
motor activities without the risk of injury.
- Promote outdoor play: Take your
child to playgrounds, parks, or other outdoor areas where they can safely
practice and hone their gross motor skills.
- Provide appropriate
toys and equipment:
Offer toys that foster gross motor
development, such as push toys, ride-on toys, and soft play mats that encourage
crawling and climbing.
- Participate in interactive
play:
Engage in games like "follow the leader," which helps
your child practice walking and imitating movements, or play simple ball games
that aid in developing coordination.
- Practice patience and
support:
Celebrate your child's accomplishments, no matter the size, and
provide reassurance during moments of frustration or difficulty.
You child will also be
developing their hand-eye coordination and finer motor skills, with such as
pincer grasp, stacking objects, turning pages, and even scribbling around with
colored pencils.
By engaging in creative
play, using age-appropriate toys, and reading together, you’ll offer plenty of
opportunities for your child to develop their gross and fine motor skills at
14-months-old.
Remember that each child develops
at their own pace, and it is essential to be patient and supportive while
allowing them to explore and learn at their own speed.
Cognitive Development
At this age, your child is
developing a greater sense of self-awareness and independence. As their
understanding of the world around them expands, they may:
- Recognize familiar objects and people
- Understand simple instructions
- Enjoy looking at picture books
- Imitate sounds or actions
- Start to solve simple puzzles
- Say simple words, like "mama" or "dada",
and start to expand their vocabulary
- Understand and respond to simple requests or commands
- Use gestures, such as waving or pointing, to communicate
- Show attachment to familiar people
- Display a preference for certain toys or activities
- Show frustration when they can't accomplish a task
- Begin to assert their independence through actions such
as pushing away a hand or refusing help
There are countless ways to support your child's cognitive
development, all while making it fun, too! Here are a few ideas:
- Play interactive games that challenge your child's problem-solving abilities
and teach cause and effect, such as peekaboo, hide and seek, or stacking
blocks.
- Encourage imitation: model behaviors and actions you want your child to
learn, and praise them when they imitate you. This can include simple tasks
like clapping hands or tidying up toys.
- Engage them in daily
routines and e
ncourage
imitation
: your little one will enjoy participating in
family activities, and you can use simple tasks around the home, such as
tidying up their toys or assisting in putting groceries away, to foster their
ability to understand good behavior, and use their motor skills at the same
time. Make these tasks enjoyable and provide ample praise to reinforce their
sense of accomplishment.
- Promote social
interactions:
encourage your child to spend time with peers, even if
they engage in parallel play rather than direct interaction. Exposure to social
situations will help them develop essential social skills over time.
- Read together: reading to your child helps build their vocabulary,
listening skills, and early literacy development. Choose age-appropriate books
with colorful pictures and simple words or phrases.
- Foster communication: talk to your child frequently, using simple words and
sentences. Encourage them to respond and engage in conversations, even if their
language skills are still developing.
- Provide stimulating toys and activities: offer toys and activities that promote cognitive
development, such as puzzles, shape-sorting toys, or matching games.
- Use proper language: as your
child begins to understand more words, use real terminology instead of made-up
language. For example, use the word "sheep" instead of "baa
baa" when pointing to a picture in a book. This approach will reduce
confusion and support language development.
- Implement
age-appropriate discipline:
discipline at this age is about teaching and
guiding your child, rather than punishing them. Establish consistent boundaries
and limits to help your child learn acceptable behavior and develop
self-discipline. Ensure that both parents are on the same page regarding
expectations and consequences for more effective results.
Social and Emotional Development
One
aspect of your 14-month-old's development is their social and emotional growth.
Providing opportunities for your child to interact with others, such as arranging
playdates or attending group activities, helps them develop essential social
skills and understanding of social cues. Encouraging empathy and compassion in
your child, by talking about emotions and teaching them how to respond to
others' feelings, can also contribute to their emotional development.
At
the same time, fostering independence in your toddler is crucial. Allowing them
to make simple choices, such as selecting which toy to play with or what to
wear, can help them build confidence and a sense of autonomy. By creating a
supportive environment that encourages both social interactions and personal
growth, you can help your child develop the emotional intelligence and
independence they need to thrive.
FAQs
What should a 14-month-old baby be able to do?
At 14 months, a baby may walk independently or with
support, use simple words, follow simple instructions, show affection towards
familiar people, and develop fine motor skills like stacking blocks or using
utensils. Keep in mind that each child's development is unique, and milestones
may be reached at slightly different times.
How many words should a 14-month-old say?
A 14-month-old may have a vocabulary of 5-10 words,
including "mama," "dada," "no," "yes,"
and names of familiar objects or people. Language development varies for each
child, so continue to encourage their progress by talking and reading to them
daily.
What is typical 14-month-old behavior?
A typical 14-month-old may show increased independence,
curiosity, and attachment to caregivers. They may experience
separation anxiety
and express frustration through tantrums. Supporting their social-emotional
development is essential at this stage.
What milestones should my baby reach by 14 months?
By 14 months, your baby may reach milestones like
walking independently or with support, using simple words, understanding and
following simple instructions, showing affection towards familiar people, and
developing fine motor skills like stacking blocks or using utensils.
How many naps should a 14-month-old take?
Most 14-month-olds transition to a single daily nap
lasting around 1.5 to 3 hours. They'll still need 12 to 14 hours of sleep per
day, including night time sleep.
What are red flags at 14 months?
Red flags at 14 months may include not walking or
attempting to walk, showing no interest in communication or social interactions,
not responding to their name, or having difficulty understanding simple
instructions. Consult a pediatrician if you have concerns about your child's
development.
What should a 14-month-old eat?
A 14-month-old should eat a variety of
solid foods,
including fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains. Offer a balanced diet to
support their nutritional needs and encourage self-feeding with child-safe
utensils. Be patient and flexible with their individual food preferences.
Sources:
American Academy of
Pediatrics. Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, 7th ed. (New
York: Bantam Books, 2019).
American Academy of
Pediatrics. The Wonder Years. (New York: Bantam Dell, 2006).