Toddler Milestones: What Can You Expect in 13 Month?

Here are some toddler milestones your 13-month-old might cross this coming month-

Fine Motor Skills

• Most toddlers can use their fingers to pick things off the floor
• Their fingers are stronger and bending them is easier now
• Their pincer grip (1) is also getting better by this time

Gross Motor Skills

• Your toddler should be crawling or dragging themselves across the floor to move from place to place. If your toddler is showing no signs of moving, consult your pediatrician
• Some toddlers are advanced and can walk or even run by this time

Language Development

• Your toddler can now understand simple words like sit down, give, come, etc.
• They can even understand when you say “no” and respond to it
• While some toddlers can say a few words, most of them can communicate through actions and babbling. For example – they may tug at their full diaper showing they want to change, point to a toy or a food item they want, etc.

Repetition

• Toddlers love repetition at this age. They may do the same action over and over again
• They may throw things repeatedly despite you telling them not to. They are not trying to defy or challenge you, they are just testing their boundaries (2)  and trying to understand the consequences of their actions

Growth Chart For a 13-Month-Old Toddler

An average 13-month-old’s height and weight will be as follows-

Girls

Weight – 7.3 – 11.6 Kg
Height- 70.3 – 80.2 cm

Boys

Weight – 8.0 – 12.1 Kg
Height- 72.4 – 81.5 cm

(This chart is just an indication and these parameters may vary from one toddler to another)

Tips to Boost Your 13-Month-Old’s Development

It can be quite stressful if your toddler is lagging in certain skills that other kids of similar age are comfortable with. Instead of panicking, try these tips-

1. Choose The Toys With Care

Today, various brands offer very unique and innovative toys with age recommendations. While these guidelines are here to help parents choose the right toy, you don’t have to always stick to it. Choose toys that are both age-appropriate and interesting to your toddler. Letting your toddler spend more time with toys that appeal to them can help develop many skills at a faster pace.

2. Read to Them

Reading is very important for toddlers at this stage, as they start actively listening. Read both story books as well as educational books with bright illustrations, to your 13-month-old.

3. Converse With Them

Even if your toddler can just babble and not say words yet, keep talking to them. When you keep talking to them, they tend to pick the words, pronunciations, your expressions as well as start understanding the context.

4. Switch From a Bottle

If your toddler uses a feeding bottle, it is time to slowly start switching. Introduce a sippy cup and teach them to drink from it. It might be a struggle for some, but with time and familiarity, toddlers will slowly make the shift.

Health And Care of Your Toddler

Taking care of your toddler’s health is very important for timely development. Some health factors to focus on this month are-

• Start baby-proofing the house. Cover sharp furniture edges to prevent your toddler from bumping into them
• Lock draws and cupboards that are easy to open. You can find a variety of child locks in the market today
• Keep harmful items like cleaning supplies, insect repellants, etc., out of reach. Your toddler is at a curious stage, where they can get into low-lying cupboards and explore the items inside
• Ensure your toddler’s vaccinations are up-to-date. If you have missed any, consult your pediatrician to know when you can get the vaccination next

Some Useful Tips For Your Toddler

Here are some tips to help parents effectively support their 13-month-old toddler-

• Pick pants or bottoms that are not very restricting around the thighs and knees. Tight pants can make it difficult to even get on the chair without help
• Use baby-safe toothpaste as your toddler might not know how to spit yet
• Let your toddler move around freely. It’s okay if they fall at times. That is how they will learn
• Be attentive to their cues and respond. This will encourage them to communicate more
• Refrain from screen time or giving them gadgets. It can interfere with their brain development
• Set a good example by modeling good behavior and eating healthy

Every kid has their own speed and ways to do things. It is very common to compare kids of similar ages. The trick is to not let all those comparisons stress you out. Let your toddler grow at their own pace. Just be by their side and support their needs, they will cross the milestones when they are ready. There is no set timeline for toddler milestones. Nothing is written in stone. Some kids cross the milestones early, some on time, and some may be slightly delayed. So, fret not and enjoy this phase of toddlerhood!

FAQ’s

1. How Many Words Can a 13-Month-Old Toddler Say?

Most toddlers can say a few common words like mama, papa, bye, no, and other common words with single syllables. Some toddlers can just babble and may need a little more time to start saying words clearly.

2. How Much Sleep Does a 13-Month-Old Toddler Need?

A 13-month-old toddler requires about 12-14 hours of sleep a day. Some may need more sleep. Don’t forcefully reduce their bedtime if they sleep for longer hours. Following a routine can help toddlers sleep better.

3. Should a Toddler Start Walking at 13 Months?

Each toddler is different in their developmental pace. Some toddlers can walk and even run. Most toddlers should be able to move by crawling, dragging, or cruising. If there are no signs of movement, you should consult your doctor.

4. What Activities Should a 13-Month-Old Toddler be Doing?

A 13-month-old toddler should be able to pronounce simple words and recognize familiar faces and daily objects. They should be able to pick big items using their fingers, bang, and also throw things.

5. Is There a Growth Spurt at 13 Months?

No, most toddlers have a growth spurt just before their 1st birthday and the speed of growth can settle down around this time. However, some toddlers may still continue their growth spurt.

6. Is There a Sleep Regression at 13 Months?

If your toddler is learning to walk or move, it can disturb their sleep cycle and cause temporary regression. This happens when they are trying to master new physical activities and try to do the movement even in their sleep.

7. How Many Naps Does a 13-Month-Old Need?

It varies from toddler to toddler. Some toddlers may need three short naps throughout the day while some may need just one long nap. Just ensure your toddler gets enough sleep throughout the day and increase sleep time or nap frequency if they are not getting enough sleep.

References

1. Pincer Grasp – [https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/pincer-grasp]
2. Parent–Offspring Conflict – [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320811906_Parent-child_conflict]