Appointments and activities – What's happening in the 14th month?
Meeting peers: Ob bei Freundinnen oder Freunden zuhause oder auf dem Spielplatz – Kontakt zu anderen Kleinkindern und Babys macht Eltern wie Kindern gleichermaßen Spaß. Während sich die Eltern unterhalten und Erfahrungen austauschen, können die Kleinen miteinander spielen.
Visit a zoo or farm: Toddlers are fascinated by animals. But most of the animals admired in picture books aren't found in your garden or on the streets. Especially for children who grow up in a city, there is a lot to see in a zoo or on a farm. It doesn't have to be lions and elephants – pigs and cows are just as exciting. Many farmers are happy to show the animals to small children.
Important developmental milestones in the 14th month
Walking: At 14 months many babies are at a stage where the first attempts at walking take place. They can already keep their balance well while standing. The first steps are still very shaky and uncertain, though.
Fine motor skills: The fine motor skills are developed in most babies by 14 months so that building blocks can be stacked and towers built. Crayons are grasped with the fist and first scribbles are put on paper.
Language: Vocabulary grows rapidly: Babies babble a lot and try to repeat what they've heard. They point at objects and try to name them.
Imitation: Babies at 14 months like to imitate their parents in their play. Whether making phone calls or handling the doll – maybe you recognize yourselves in your child's play?
Action and reaction: Babies love to draw attention to themselves. Many toddlers deliberately make noise to get a reaction from those present. They also explore cause and effect: The key in my hand rattles when I shake it and makes quite a racket when I drop it.
Gait: In their first steps toddlers don't yet roll off the foot but place the whole foot down. The gait is usually rather wide-legged to better maintain balance.
