◊ 9 to 12 months
   By  this age ,most babies go from cruising (walking around while holding onto the furniture) to walking on their own. Encourage your baby to move around by "playing tag".  Pull a favorite toy or blanket along, just out of your baby's reach, to encourage her to follow and get it.
Babies at this age get excited about different textures, sounds and sights. Give your baby the opportunity to experience rough and smooth, hard and soft, wet and dry. Read textured or pop-up board books with simple stories about animals or babies. Take your baby for a walk and imitate the animal and car sounds you hear.
By one year of age, most babies develop what's called "object permanence." Although you may hide a toy, your baby will actively look for it. Play the "cover game" by covering a favorite toy with a towel or blanket and saying to your baby, "All gone!" or "Where did the toy go?"  When she uncovers the object, smile, clap and say,  "Hurry! You did it! You are so smart!"
not only are you your baby's favorite toy - you are your child's first friend. There isn't another toy or person, no matter how special, who can replace the time you spend hugging, loving and playing with your baby. Enjoy your wonderful, changing infant - and have fun together!