TWELVE MONTHS

 

HEALTH ISSUES

 

• Praise your child at every opportunity.
• Talk (in adult manner) and sing regularly to your child.
• Continue to read books to your child.
• Encourage self-play as well as with others.
• Limit the number of rules, but be consistent with them.
• Do not allow hitting, biting or mean behavior.
• Have a bedtime routine and put baby to bed in his or her own room.
• Keep a family picture near baby’s bed so it can be seen at night.
• Eat meals as a family.
• Offer comfort objects (stuffed animals, blanket).
• Do not push for early toilet training.
• Expect self-exploration of genitalia.
• Start being an example of the type of person you want your child to grow up to be - they are like sponges from this time on, and absorb everything around them!
• Spend time alone with your partner - one of the best things you can do for your baby is to maintain a quality relationship with your partner.

 

 

 

• Continue safe car seat use. Read instructions for proper installation. Here are some general guidelines:
• Place, seat in the middle of the back seat. If your toddler is over 20 pounds, you should now change seat to forward-facing; if under 20 pounds still, keep facing rearward until weight is over 20 pounds, regardless of age).
• Use the "H" or "I" clip if you have a retractable shoulder harness.
• Test your smoke detector in or near your baby’s room.
• Childproof your home (poisons, medicines, guns, plastic bags, sharp objects, cords, outlets, cigarettes, hot liquids, latches on cabinets).
• Obtain your local Poison Control Center’s phone number and keep it on hand
• Do not keep 5 gallon buckets in your home (to prevent drowning).
• Avoid choke hazards (peanuts, popcorn, hard candy, whole grapes, raisins, carrot sticks, small toy pieces).
• Use a bike helmet for your toddler (and yourself) if riding on the back of a bike.
• Supervise activities, especially around lawnmowers, large dogs, and cars.
• Place, crib mattress on lowest setting.

 

 

 

 

YOUR BABY SHOULD…

 

• Respond to his or her name.
• Continue to babble and understand the meaning of a few words.
• Crawl; sit up, cruise (walk holding on) and possibly walking (9-15 months).
• Shake and throw objects, often putting objects in mouth.
• Pick up small objects with fingers; oppose thumb with tip index finger (fine pincer grasp). .
• Begin to understand the meaning of "no".
• Have bowel movements at least once every 3 days if formula fed, once every week if breastfed.

 

 

 

YOU SHOULD…

 

• Praise your child at every opportunity.
• Talk (in adult manner) and sing regularly to your child.
• Continue to read books to your child.
• Encourage self-play as well as with others.
• Limit the number of rules, but be consistent with them.
• Do not allow hitting, biting or mean behavior.
• Have a bedtime routine and put baby to bed in his or her own room.
• Keep a family picture near baby’s bed so it can be seen at night.
• Eat meals as a family.
• Offer comfort objects (stuffed animals, blanket).
• Do not push for early toilet training.
• Expect self-exploration of genitalia.
• Start being an example of the type of person you want your child to grow up to be - they are like sponges from this time on, and absorb everything around them!
• Spend time alone with your partner - one of the best things you can do for your baby is to maintain a quality relationship with your partner.