What significant developmental milestone can be expected from a 1-year-old?

At 1 year of age, a significant developmental milestone to expect is the ability to cruise or walk alone. This period marks an important transition in gross motor skills, as many children begin to pull themselves up to a standing position and may take their first independent steps around this age.

Cruising typically involves a child moving along furniture to support themselves while gaining confidence in their ability to walk. This skill not only showcases physical development but also reflects improvements in balance and coordination. Walking alone is often achieved shortly after cruising begins, indicating the child’s growing strength and independence.

While using a spoon effectively may begin around this age, children typically do not master this skill until they are closer to 15-18 months old. Hopping on one foot and identifying colors and shapes are advanced skills that generally develop later, usually in preschool-aged children. Thus, the ability to cruise or walk alone at 1 year is a more expected and significant developmental milestone during this stage.