DEVELOPMENT
Your child's activity will increase during the next few months to such a great
degree that at times you may find it difficult to keep up. Babies at this age
will probably pull themselves up to a standing position, cruise and may already
take a few steps on their own. They can drink from a cup and should be able to
feed themselves. When they feed themselves, it is going to be messy. They may
say two to four words and imitate sounds spoken by others.
BEHAVIOR DISCIPLINE
Your 1 year-old child's independence will increase dramatically over the next
several months. The struggle for self-rule will require you to permit his or her
independence and release your reign on certain behaviors. Allow him or her to
explore. However, at the same time, set appropriate limits and enforce them in a
consistent manner. Distractions or a firm "no" often proves quite effective at
this age.
- Praise and talk to your child, sing songs and read interactively with him
or her
- Establish routines
- Discourage hitting, biting or aggressive behavior
- Give comfort objects to your child such as a stuffed animal or a blanket
- Give individual attention to your child when possible and create
opportunities for exploration and physical activity.
NUTRITION
Whole cow's milk may now replace breast-feeding or formula. Have a goal of
weaning your child off the bottle by 12 to 15 months of age. Your child should
eat nearly the same foods as the rest of the family. If the diet is well
balanced, your child does not need vitamin supplements.
Make eating a pleasurable experience and eat meals as a family when possible.
Allow your child to feed him or herself, though this will be messy. When your
child is not hungry, do not force him or her to eat.
Food should still be easy to chew and cut into small pieces.
ORAL HEALTH
- Do not put the child in bed with a bottle. Brush his or her teeth; you may
use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste but do this no more than once a day. As
an alternative you may use non-fluoridated toothpaste, water or a wet
washcloth to clean the teeth
- Let your doctor know if your drinking water does not contain fluoride
- Discuss with your doctor when a dental exam is recommended.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Your child may be receiving immunizations at the 12-month visit. Discuss with
your physician which immunizations your child should receive and the potential
side effects. To help with the possibility of some of the side effects, TylenolŪ
(acetaminophen) may be given every four to six hours over the next 24 to 48
hours. If you have any questions about your child's reaction to the vaccine,
please talk with your health care provider.
SAFETY
As your 1 year-old explores, you face an ongoing challenge to look for ways to
protect his or her environment.
- Use a toddler car seat in the back seat and do not put your child in the
front seat, especially if your car has an airbag
- Keep water temperature less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit
- Use sunscreen and limit your child's sun and heat exposure
- Re-examine your home to ensure it is child proof. Check for hazards at a
toddler's walking height
- Supervise your child closely, especially near animals, driveways and
streets
- Avoid choke-hazard foods such as peanuts, carrot sticks, whole grapes and
hard candy.
LEAD
Your doctor may check for lead poisoning by ordering a blood test if your child
is at risk. This is the case if:
- Your child lives in or visits a house built before 1980 that has chipped
or peeling paint
- Your child lives in or visits a house built before 1980 undergoing rehab
or remodeling
- Someone in your house has a job or hobby that includes exposure to lead
- Your child has a sibling or playmate undergoing treatment for lead
poisoning
- Your child has been found chewing or eating inedible items such as dirt,
clay, ashes, insects or metal objects.
Please discuss these factors with your doctor if you feel your
child is at risk.
TUBERCULOSIS
Your doctor may check for tuberculosis (TB) by performing a simple test in the
office if your child is at risk. This is the case if:
- You have a family history of tuberculosis
- The child or the family is from or has recently visited a country with a
high TB rate
- The child or the family has had contact with someone with the HIV
infection or AIDS
- The child or the family has had contact with someone who has been in a
correctional facility within the past five years
- The child presently or in the past has lived in a neighborhood or
community known to have a high TB rate. The city of St. Louis has a high TB
rate.
SOURCE: American Academy of Pediatrics; Bright Futures
