Which developmental milestone is typically expected by 12 months of age?

By 12 months of age, a child is typically expected to achieve the milestone of sitting without support. This skill indicates a significant level of physical development and stability in the child's core muscles, which supports overall motor control and coordination. Mastering the ability to sit independently allows the child to explore their environment more freely and is a crucial precursor to further gross motor skills, such as crawling and eventually walking.

While other milestones such as crawling, walking with assistance, and speaking one word may also be seen around this age, the ability to sit without support is often regarded as a foundational skill that many children achieve by their first birthday. Each child's development can vary, but this milestone is generally considered a key indicator of readiness for upcoming physical and language development stages.