International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

What is a common physical milestone reached at 12 months?

1. Stand on tiptoes

2. Walk alone

3. Kick a ball

4. Pull to stand

The correct answer is: Walk alone

At 12 months, walking is a significant milestone for most infants, making "walking alone" the correct answer. By this age, many children have developed the physical strength, balance, and coordination necessary to take independent steps without needing to hold onto furniture or a caregiver for support. This achievement not only reflects physical development but also contributes to emotional and social growth, as walking allows toddlers to explore their environment more freely and interact with others. Stand on tiptoes, kicking a ball, and pulling to stand are milestones that may occur around the same timeframe but are generally expected before or slightly after the achievement of walking independently. Pulling to stand typically happens around 9 to 12 months, while kicking a ball can be observed around 15 to 18 months. Therefore, while these activities contribute to a child's motor skills development, they do not typically represent the primary milestone that is reached specifically at 12 months.