Week 52: One Whole Year of You
Your baby is turning one — and what a year it’s been. In the space of 12 short months, they’ve grown from a curled-up newborn into a standing, babbling, expressive little human with a distinct personality and big feelings.
Week 52 is a time for reflection, celebration, and looking forward. Whether your baby is walking or wobbling, chatting or chirping, breastfed or weaned — this is their moment. And yours too.
Development
You may notice:
Confident crawling or walking — or fast cruising from object to object
Emerging skills in balance and coordination: squatting, stooping, carrying objects
A first real word used consistently and meaningfully
Intentional gestures: pointing, waving, shaking their head “no”
Emotionally and socially:
Showing affection with hugs, kisses, or cuddles
Looking to you for reassurance in new or uncertain situations
Expressing pride in their accomplishments — and frustration when things don’t go to plan
Practising independence while checking you’re still nearby
They’re no longer just reacting — they’re choosing.
Sleep
Sleep at the one-year mark may look like:
Two naps per day (though some days one may be shorter)
Occasional overnight wake-ups, especially during big developmental phases
A need for comfort or closeness after busy, stimulating days
Support sleep by:
Keeping routines familiar and calming
Allowing space for wind-down time and reconnection
Responding with empathy if sleep is disrupted — emotional regulation is still developing
Remember: “sleeping through” is not a milestone every baby reaches by one. You’re not doing anything wrong if nights are still broken.
Feeding
Feeding at one may include:
A mix of finger foods and soft spoon-fed meals
Continued breastmilk or formula, based on your child’s needs and your family’s choices
A growing interest in family meals, shared plates, and real cutlery
Support healthy eating by:
Offering variety without pressure
Letting your baby decide what and how much to eat
Trusting their ability to regulate appetite over time
Food is connection. Let mealtimes be shared, simple, and joyful — however they look for your family.
Play and Interaction
At one year old, your baby might:
Engage in simple pretend play (feeding dolls, using objects as phones or brushes)
Initiate games like “chase,” peekaboo, or rolling a ball back and forth
Show interest in other children — especially watching and imitating
Combine sounds and gestures to communicate wants or share attention
Encourage learning by:
Responding to their cues and giving language to their actions
Offering open-ended toys and real-life objects to explore
Playing together when invited — and observing quietly when they’re absorbed
You are still their favourite toy and their most important relationship.
Top Tip of the Week
“Your baby’s first birthday is about more than a cake — it’s a celebration of a whole year of love, growth, and transformation.”
Real Life Reflections
You did it.
Twelve months of feeding, changing, rocking, carrying, worrying, loving. You’ve grown a baby — and you’ve grown as a parent. This journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has been yours.
It’s okay to feel emotional. To miss the newborn days even as you marvel at how far you’ve come. Parenting is layered, and so are your feelings.
Whether you’re having a big party, a quiet picnic, or a simple cuddle on the couch — honour this milestone in a way that feels right for your family.
Looking Ahead
Toddlerhood brings:
Faster walking, climbing, and exploring
More words, signs, and social play
Intense emotions and stronger boundaries
The need for even more connection, empathy, and patience
You’re not starting over — you’re continuing. With a one-year-old by your side, you’ll keep learning, loving, and growing — together.
Further Reading:
What on Earth Happens to Babies Around 15 Months? Explore the significant brain development occurring around 15 months, particularly in areas related to impulse control and decision-making. This article delves into the cognitive changes that can influence your toddler's behavior during this period.
Wondering About Wonder Weeks? Understand the concept of "Wonder Weeks," including Leap Nine at approximately 15 months, known as "The World of Principles." This leap involves your toddler beginning to grasp concepts like fairness and rules, which can impact their behavior and interactions.
Toddlers Don’t Sleep Through the Night Either! Learn about the normalcy of night waking in toddlers, especially around developmental milestones such as walking and language acquisition. This article provides reassurance and strategies for managing sleep disruptions during this stage.
