12 month old receptive language - what's normal?

[MissHoney85]

DS has just turned one and I'm wondering whether his receptive language is on track, would be interested to hear from others.

He points at things that interest him and engages really well with toys. He babbles mama dada etc. He interacts well with people and waves when he hears 'bye bye'. However he doesn't seem to respond to simple instructions or questions yet in the way I think my older DC did at this stage. E.g. if I ask him where's the cat in a picture he doesn't point to it, or if I ask him where someone is in a room he doesn't point or look.

I don't know if my point of comparison in my older DC is just off because her language skills are and always have been so strong - I guess stereotypically girls are stronger in that area and admittedly as first child I spent a lot more time talking and reading to her. However, DS has had a few ear infections and doctors always comment on his very waxy ears so I wonder if it's worth getting his hearing checked? Or does he sound on track compared to other typical 12 month olds?

I'd be concerned if he wasn't looking around for Daddy if I asked him where Daddy was or pointing to a picture of the cat if it was obvious in a book.

but as he's had ear issues, I'd just Talk to him, a LOT!

& give it a bit more time.

Thanks! I'm trying to ramp up my reading with him, and he does seem to like books (though doesn't have quite the attention span that his older sister did at this age), it's just hard with a demanding and jealous toddler in the background! She's doing an extra day at preschool after Christmas so at least I will get a bit more 1:1 time with him. I feel so guilty that he hasn't had the same start!