14-Month Old Baby Milestones: Walking, Talking, And... Biting?

Editor’s Note: This article is intended for information purposes only. It does not substitute a doctor. It is vital to always consult a medically trained professional for advice that suits your needs best.

Your toddler is now 14 months old! This month, you will notice a big jump in your child’s language and communication skills.

You may also see your child’s first steps this month (if they have not already!). Get ready to toddler-proof your home for slips and tumbles!

Aside from walking and talking, your child may also start asserting independence. Do not be surprised if your toddler does not do what you say!

What other developmental milestones can you expect this month? Check them out below.

Will My Toddler Walk or Talk First?

Most parents are excited to see and hear their children walk and talk for the first time. But which skill will your child develop first?

The answer depends on you and your child. According to HealthyChildren.org, children learn by copying their parents. Their imitation includes gestures, such as walking, and sounds, which pave the way for talking.

This means that the activities you do with your toddler can influence the skills they develop first. Do you and your child enjoy singing and reading picture books together? Your toddler might focus on developing sounds and words first. Do you and your child enjoy more physical activities, such as hide-and-seek or dancing? Your toddler might attempt walking first.

Of course, your toddler’s preferences also come into play. At 14 months, they have established their likes and dislikes.

So relax if your toddler is in no hurry to walk or talk. Some children learn to walk at 15 months. They might prefer to learn other skills first!

Language and Communication Milestones

According to BabyCenter.com, at 14 months, your toddler understands more words than what they can say. Aside from their first word (which is usually “dada” or “mama”), they may be able to say another word or two. These will likely be simple words such as “dog” or “truck.”

Even though your toddler cannot say many words, they can use other “tools” to communicate with you, such as gestures and facial expressions. You may notice your child bringing you objects to convey a message, such as bringing you their shoes if they want to go outside.

Smart Parenting Board of Experts member Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao adds more insight into your toddler’s language and communication development: “At 14 months, you’ll notice that their language skills are improving a lot, both in terms of their ability to express themselves, and in their ability to understand what you are telling them. With these skills, they may also now start following simple, one-step directions, such as ‘Get that ball!’.”

Behavioral Development

So your toddler can understand simple directions. But why does it seem like they do not listen to what you say?

Do not be surprised or frustrated: this newfound stubbornness is expected in 14-month-olds. Children around this age start asserting their independence, and disagreeing with you is an example of that.

You may also notice that your child will insist on doing things independently, such as pouring milk into their cup. Expect spills and accidents to happen, but be calm, gentle, and encouraging when they happen.

Sometimes, remaining calm and gentle can be a struggle – mainly if your toddler develops aggressive behavior.

Some children turn to biting or hitting their playmates. And even though biting is a common phase for young toddlers, according to TheBump.com, it can still be frustrating when it happens to your child.

“With their improving language skills, cognitive skills, and motor skills, they’re at the age where they’re more eager to push their boundaries and start looking for more independence. It’s now a good time to start setting firm, consistent boundaries,” advises Dr. Joey.

You will need to figure out how to set and enforce boundaries and limits calmly. At this age, your toddler likes to get your attention, so overreacting when your child does something you do not like will not help correct the behavior. Quite the opposite–your child will more likely repeat the unwanted behavior to grab your attention again!

Cause for Concern

Some parents worry if their child displays different communication and social behaviors than other kids. They may suspect that their child may have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially since signs and symptoms of ASD show up during toddlerhood to preschool years.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some characteristics that may relate to ASD include:

• Not keeping or avoiding eye contact
• Not showing facial expressions like sad, happy, or angry by nine months
• Not responding to own name by nine months
• Not playing simple, interactive games like pat-a-cake by 12 months
• Not using gestures (or using too few gestures) by 12 months

Most pediatricians assess ASD at around 18 months. But if you have concerns, it is worth discussing them with your child’s pediatrician. They will likely ask some questions and observe your child to evaluate if they have ASD.

Read here for 13 month old milestones.

What other parents are reading

6 Paraan Para Mahasa Ang Kakayahan Ni Baby Sa Milestones Pang Edad 12 Months

9 Month Baby Milestones: Getting Ready to Explore

11-Month Baby Milestones: Getting Ready for Toddlerhood

12-Month Baby Milestones: Hello, Little Toddler!