12 Months Checkup

Height: ____  Weight ____  Head Circ: ____

FEEDING: Now is the time to wean your baby from formula to whole milk. The fat content is important for brain development. We do not recommend 2% milk until 18-24 months of age

Finger foods and table foods are the preferred food at this age. You will notice a tremendous decrease in your child’s food intake. This is normal … most one year olds are too busy to eat, but will do so when they are hungry. Mealtimes should be positive social experiences, where the child is learning new tastes, textures, and fine motor skills. Do not force your child to eat when he is not hungry!

Offer foods from the basic four food groups. Avoid junk foods, but encourage small, nutritious snacks between meals. Remember, still AVOID PEANUTS, RAISINS, HOT DOGS, and POPCORN.

Now is the time to make the transition away from the bottle. Most children will wean from the bottle between 10-15 months. Sippie or straw cups are recommended.

Do not put your child to bed with a bottle. This has been found to increase the incidence of ear infections and cause dental cavities and decay.

ELIMINATION: Stools continue to vary greatly as you introduce new foods. Frequency is not as important as consistency of the stool … they still should be soft and easy to pass. We do not recommend active toilet training until 18 months to 2 ½ years of age.

SLEEP: Most are sleeping 8-12 hours per night. Your baby should sleep in his own bed and bedroom. Some still nap 2x/day, but many give up the morning nap.

Many babies begin to awaken 1-2 times during the night at this time. This seems to be related to separation anxiety often occurring at this age. If you are certain the child is not hungry or ill, and is safe, warm and dry, we encourage letting him cry it out and comfort himself back to sleep. This is easier said than done, especially at 2 am! But, consistency does pay off! Holding, rocking, giving him a bottle (when he isn’t hungry) and putting him into bed with you reinforces his waking up and prolongs the experience!

DEVELOPMENT:

• Walks along furniture; may stand alone/ walk without assistance
• Uses pincer grasp well, throws objects
• Recognizes objects by name
• Says two other words besides DADA and MAMA
• Enjoys familiar surroundings, begins to explore away from caregiver

PLAY:

• Plays peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake, waves bye
• Likes books with large pictures
• Likes simple take apart toys, like nested cups or boxes
• Likes balls and various colored blocks

SAFETY:

• Prevent falls
• Place toxic substances (medicines, household cleaners, etc) on high shelf out of reach or in a locked cabinet, remove poisonous plants, keep tablecloths out of reach. Use outlet covers, hide wires, lock cabinets.
• Use an approved car seat … may be forward facing if one year and 20 pounds!
• Have Poison Control Number on hand (589-8222). Syrup of Ipecac is NO LONGER RECOMMENDED BY THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
• Never leave child unattended around sources of water: Bathtub, toilet, swimming pools, bucket of water
• Administer medications as a drug, not as candy

SMOKING: Do not smoke around your baby, or even in the house or the car. Exposure to cigarette smoke has been linked to numerous illnesses: crib death, ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, allergies, and growth retardation. Keep in mind, too, that you are your child’s most trusted role model. Do you really want your child to smoke?

SHOES: “No shoes are the best shoes for your child.” Shoes are for protection only (from heat, cold or sharp objects.) We highly discourage high-top, hard soled leather shoes. A soft, flexible, well fitted shoe are the most important aspects to consider. Do not let child wear “previously worn” shoes. Your child will have stronger feet and legs as a result.

IMMUNIZATIONS: The MMR, Varivax, and Prevnar are due today.