Which developmental milestone is expected by 12 months of age?

Walking independently is a significant developmental milestone typically achieved around 12 months of age. At this stage, most children begin to demonstrate increased mobility and coordination. While some infants may take their first steps as early as 9 to 10 months, stepping out on their own around the one-year mark is common.

Crawling is usually accomplished earlier, often between 7 to 10 months, so while it is a crucial milestone, it is expected to have occurred before 12 months. Using a spoon generally develops a bit later, as many children start showing interest in self-feeding around this age but may not master it until a few months afterwards. Saying simple words typically emerges around this time as well; however, verbal communication development can vary widely among children. Thus, walking independently aligns best with the developmental timeline expected by 12 months of age.