Age: 12 Months

Tips for your 10-12 month old baby

HELP ME BE HEALTHY.

  • At this checkup, the doctor will:
  • Weigh and measure me.
  • Give me any vaccines or blood tests I missed before.
  • Give me vaccines at 12 months of age.
  • Check my teeth.
  • Screen me to see if I have been exposed to lead. I can get lead in my body by breathing or eating lead dust, chips, or flakes. The lead can get into my nerves and my bones. It can affect the way I learn, grow, and hear. The earlier we catch the problem, the less harm will happen to me.
  • Ask my doctor about a tuberculin test.

Watch for signs of an ear infection.

If I tug at my ears or have a cold lasting many days, this could mean I have an ear infection. Ear infections could affect my hearing. Being sick a lot could affect my growth and learning. If I don’t feel well, it might be hard for me to see, hear, think, and learn. If I act, look, or feel like I’m sick, please call the doctor or nurse right away.

TAKE CARE OF MY TEETH.

  • Start planning for my next dental visit for when I’m 12 months old.
  • Call your dentist or a dentist just for me and set up this visit.
  • Brush my teeth ever y day, and look for any white or brown spots. These could be cavities.
  • If I have any white or brown spots on my teeth, take me to the dentist as soon as possible.

HELP ME BE SAFE.

  • I like to pull things out of drawers. Make sure drawers cannot be pulled out all the way.
  • Make sure that unsafe things are not in the drawers. Give me a low drawer or cupboard of my own to store some of my toys.
  • Store my toys, books, and other things where I can reach them. Sturdy shelves, dish­pans, buckets, and cardboard boxes are good.
  • I can choke on food. Don’t give me hard-to­-chew foods such as popcorn, nuts, raisins, tortilla chips and grapes. Don’t give me hotdogs, even if they’re cut into pieces.
  • I still need to be watched carefully. Common accidents for chil­dren my age are: falls, burns, choking, poisoning, car accidents, and drowning. Don’t leave me in a bath or around anything with water (like a mop bucket).

PLAY WITH ME, IT HELPS ME LEARN.

  • Make a book for me using cardboard for the pages. Paste photographs and pictures from magazines on the pages. I like to see pictures of me, my family and my favorite toys, foods, and places. Let me turn the pages.
  • Play a game of “Which-hand-is-it-in?” Hold a small object in your hand. Show me what’s in your hand. Switch back and forth between your hands. Let me guess which hand the object is in.
  • Let me practice dropping things into containers such as a block into a box. I will need help getting the blocks back out.

Good Days and Bad Days

All parents have bad days and sometimes feel worn out. It is common for a parent’s body to ache a little from the work of being a parent. This doesn’t mean you are doing anything wrong. Remember that these bad days are usually followed by good days. Young children need parents who try their best, but that doesn’t mean you will succeed all the time. Try not to worry about being a super parent or a super family.

Talking to someone and asking for help:

  • Shows that you love me and care about me.
  • Shows that you are being a good parent.

WATCH HOW I GROW

I’m special. I learn at my own pace.
Most children have the following skills by the time they are a year old. If I’m not doing several of the items on this list, talk to my doctor or nurse. To find a nearby Early Childhood Intervention program, call the DARS Help Line toll-free at 1-800-628-5115.

Watch for me to:

  • Play Pat-a-cake or other clapping games.
  • Pull myself up by hanging onto a chair or my crib rail.
  • Pick up a cube or small toy in each hand and bang them together.
  • Pick up a small object, like a piece of cereal, using my thumb and a finger.
  • Say the same sound over and over, like, “babababa” or “lalalala.”
  • Say “mama” or “dada.” Even though I say these words, I don’t know what they mean. They are sounds for me to say.
  • Stop doing something if you say “No.” I sometimes stop doing it only for a short time, though. Changing my attention with a toy is best.
  • Follow some easy directions, like, “Come here” or “Give it to me.”
  • Stand by myself for at least two seconds.
  • Sit up all by myself.
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Your Guide to Raising a Healthy Eater

Having young children is one of the hardest and most rewarding times of your life! Between working and taking care of your family’s needs, it’s sometimes easy to forget to make sure everything is on track. That’s where this guide comes in handy. Written with information from doctors, nutritionists, and moms who have been there, this is a great guide to help your child become a healthy eater. The more your kids grow, the more you will want to know!

In this guide, you will learn:

Helping Your Child Develop Healthy Food Habits

Healthy Foods for a Healthy Plate

Physical Activity for your Child

Behaviors That Help Families Stay Healthy

Download Guide

The Magic of Everyday Moments (12-15 Months)

Remember, everyday moments are rich bonding and learning opportunities. Enjoy the magic of these moments with your child.

Logo for Johnson and Johnson Pediatric Institute LLC

Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., is a company solely
dedicated to improving maternal and children’s healthcare through the advancement of continued learning and research in pediatrics, child development, parenting and maternity care. Through partnerships with leading healthcare professionals, developmental specialists and international organizations, Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., identifies, develops and implements initiatives and programs that help shape the future of children’s health around the world.

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ZERO TO THREE is a national nonprofit organization of renowned pediatricians, educators, researchers, and other child development experts who specialize in the first years of life.

Although there were times during your baby’s first year when the days (and nights) seemed endless—3 a.m. feedings, late afternoon cranky sessions, that first tooth breaking through—right now things probably feel a little calmer in some ways, and more demanding in others. This seems to be true for all stages of development; while some things get easier, there are always new challenges. Your child has made the transformation from the tiny stranger who came home with you from the hospital to a self-confident, opinionated person who takes up more space than any two adults combined. As you set about celebrating her first birthday, you find yourself wondering how it all happened so fast. Don’t be surprised by a rush of emotions. You have probably just been through the most emotional and intense year of your adult life!

One-year-olds have a remarkable sense of independence that comes hand-in-hand with their new ability to do things for themselves. But as much as they enjoy their independence, they also take great pleasure in running back into your arms. They love to be cuddled and carried and babied… as long as they’re the ones who decide when to be a “big girl” and when to be “a baby.” While this can drive parents crazy (“Is she a baby or a teenager?”) what your child needs to know is that whatever she chooses to be in any given moment, you’ll be there for her. In fact, if you respond to her need to be “babied,” she’ll eventually choose the “big girl” role over the baby.

Download The Magic of Everyday Moments™ (12-15 Months)

Important Information about your 12 Month Old

Family

Set firm, fair rules and keep them the same to teach your child respect and discipline. Timeouts in a neutral area of the house (one minute for each year of life). Also, praise them for things that they do correctly. Establish routines around the house and traditions that they can be a part of.

Development

Read books daily and use simple words to describe the pictures in them. Avoid TV, computers, and video games, and encourage physical activity. You may start to notice tantrums. Do not bribe them to stop the behavior as this will only encourage more and often longer tantrums. As long as they are in a safe environment and are not hitting or biting, allow them to “blow off steam”. Do not yell at them during this time. Allow them to self-soothe.

Health

Your child should be off of the bottle by now; especially none in the crib. Have a night-time routine, one nap per day, brush teeth twice a day with children’s fluoride toothpaste (size of a grain of rice) and a soft toothbrush. They should have a dentist by now. Encourage physical activity.

Nutrition

Transition to whole milk. Limit the amount of cow’s milk to 16-20 ounces per day as too much milk can decrease appetite and can lead to anemia. Encourage iron-rich foods like meats, chicken, beans, green and leafy vegetables, and rice cereal. It is normal for your child to have a decrease in appetite as his/her growth rate slows at this age. Do not force them to eat; let them pick and choose and self-feed. Avoid offering just what your child “likes” simply to get them to eat. It can take 15-20 times of trying new foods before they eat it. Try to sit as a family for most meals. Use the plate visual from choosemyplate.gov to promote healthy eating.

Safety

Make sure your home is childproofed! Always be close enough to touch your child around water – set your hot water heater at 120 °F or on low. In the kitchen keep children safe while cooking and hot liquids out of reach. Beware of small objects your child can put in their mouth and choke on. Keep children in a rear-facing car seat until at least age 2 or until they reach the highest weight or height limits on their car seat.

Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

After Hours and Weekends
After 4:00 PM and before 8:00 AM
For medical advice when People’s is closed call After Hours Nurse line at 512-478-4939

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How to set rules for your child

Your child can crawl, now they need rules to stay safe.

Set Rules When Your Child is 6 Months Old

  • When you can, say do instead of do not.
    • Do share the toys (instead of do not take the toys away).
    • Do be gently to other people(instead of do not hit).
    • Do hold my hand (Instead of do not run away).
  • Speak directly to your child. Talk to her at eye level.
  • Say what you want your child to do in simple clear words.
  • Say your rules firmly. You can be firm without yelling.
  • Say the rule every time you need to until your child learns it. It will take many times and some patience!

Make Sure to:

  • Inform everyone taking care of your child to use the same rules.
  • Write the rules down as it can help
  • Start with 2-3 rules to keep your child and others safe.
  • Add more rules later about not breaking things and being polite.

Parents are Teachers

Here are some things parents can do to teach their 6 month to 3 year old about safety and respect.

Baby Proof Your Home

  • Move things that can break out of reach.
  • Put things your child can play with down low.
  • Use gates and lock drawers to keep your child in a safe place.

Change the Subject

  • Use a toy, favorite food, or silly game to distract your child.

Pick your Battles

  • Be firm about safety rules.
  • Ignore thigs that are not dangerous like tantrums, whining, or interrupting.

Use the Power of "No"

  • Move close to your child.
  • Look directly into your child’s eyes.
  • Do not smile.
  • Say “no” or “stop.”

Guide Your Child

  • If your kid will not go where you tell them, pick them up or lead them by their hand.
  • Say “I am going to help you go to your room” for example.

Use a Short Time-Out

  • This can stop or change behavior.
  • Move your child to a boring place.
  • Keep it short. It should be one minute for each year of age.
  • Say “Time out is over. Come back and play.”

Weaning your Baby from the Bottle

Weaning from the bottle can take many months. Weaning begins when solid foods are started and ends when the baby is completely off the bottle at around 12-14 months old. Babies can wean from the breast much later.

How will I know when my baby is ready for a cup?

  • They will sit up without support.
  • They will be eating from a spoon that you offer them.

Extra Tips for Babies Older than 6 Months

  • Carry snacks when you go out. These can take the place of a bottle when you are away from home.
  • If your child insists on going to bed with a bottle, put only water in it or give a pacifier.
  • Put your baby to sleep by rocking, singing, or reading to them.
  • Do not take away the bottle when your child is ill. Wait until they are well and happy for better results.
  • Cups with lids help stop spills. But just like bottles, children who carry cups with lids can get tooth decay. Around 15 months old your baby should be using only cups without lids to protect your child’s teeth.

Why should my baby give up the bottle around 1 year?

  • To protect their teeth
    • The sugar in milk or juice can cause very serious tooth decay.
  • To prevent problems such as low iron or extra weight gain.
    • Babies who stay on the bottle longer than a year often drink too much and may not eat enough of the other foods needed to grow well.

Start Early

  • Do NOT put your baby to bed with a bottle. Try using a pacifier instead.
  • Hold your baby and feed them before putting them to bed, then rock or hold you baby as they fall asleep.
  • Never offer anything other than breastmilk, formula, or water from the bottle. Infants who never take juice or sweet drinks from a bottle may have an easier time weaning.
  • Do NOT give up. Weaning is not easy and takes time and patience.

At 6 Months

  • Give your baby breastmilk, formula, or juice from a cup that you hold. Use a small plastic cup with or without a lid. Start by offering the cup for a few small sips.

At 9 or 10 Months

  • Start giving the cup in place of one, then two bottles each day. Replace your baby’s least favorite feeding time first. Then give breastmilk, formula, or juice in a cup instead of a bottle at other feedings.

Around 1 Year

  • Your baby will be drinking from a cup that they can hold at most meals and snacks. Be ready for spills, they will happen.
  • Keep adding more feedings from the cup and fewer from the bottle.
  • Finally, give the bottle only at your baby’s favorite feeding of the day.

If your child will not wean:

  • It is not uncommon for children to need extra sucking, even as toddlers. Use a pacifier or a bottle of water if your child needs to continue sucking
  • Due to special health problems, some children may be slow to get off the bottle. Some children have trouble eating solids or are unable to sip from a cup with help at 9 or 10 months of age. Tell your nutritionist, nurse or doctor if your child is having these problems.

The Magic of Everyday Moments (9-12 Months)

Remember, everyday moments are rich bonding and learning opportunities. Enjoy the magic of these moments with your child.

Logo for Johnson and Johnson Pediatric Institute LLC

Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., is a company solely
dedicated to improving maternal and children’s healthcare through the advancement of continued learning and research in pediatrics, child development, parenting and maternity care. Through partnerships with leading healthcare professionals, developmental specialists and international organizations, Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., identifies, develops and implements initiatives and programs that help shape the future of children’s health around the world.

Logo for Zero to Three organization

ZERO TO THREE is a national nonprofit organization of renowned pediatricians, educators, researchers, and other child development experts who specialize in the first years of life.

At 9 months, babies have their own ideas about themselves and the world. They are masters at asserting themselves in all sorts of ways, both charming (finding you in another room and pulling himself up on your leg to give you a big hug) and frustrating (throwing food he doesn’t care for off the highchair or refusing to lie down for a diaper change). You might hand him a toy only to have him fling it to the floor and scream. He doesn’t want that toy… he wants the other one! And if you can’t read his mind and give him that desired toy, he’ll just continue to complain and protest until he gets his hands on what he does want. Thankfully, at 9 months, babies are mastering the idea that things that they can’t see still exist, so he’ll soon be able to find what he’s looking for himself.

Your easygoing little guy is emerging as a very intense and powerful force. This requires a real adjustment on your part; just as your baby is developing new skills by leaps and bounds, it seems you need a whole new set of strategies to parent this very strong individual. It’s no wonder you’re still so tired, even though your baby may finally be sleeping through the night. You needn’t feel guilty that you find yourself eager to tuck him in at the end of the day so you can have some time to yourself. But when you’re at your wit’s end, remember, this self assertion—often called willfulness—is really not a bad thing! When you think about the abilities you want your child to have as he grows, knowing what he wants and going for it is key to his success.

Download The Magic of Everyday Moments™ (9-12 Months)

Keeping Your Baby’s Teeth Healthy

TIPS FOR HEALTHY TEETH:

  • Take good care of your child’s baby teeth. They help your child chew food, speak clearly, and save space for their adult teeth.
  • Keep your teeth and mouth clean. You can pass cavity-causing germs to your baby by kissing or sharing food.
  • Do NOT let your child carry a bottle or cup of juice, milk, or sweet drinks. Sipping on sugary drinks all day can cause tooth decay.

BIRTH – 6 MONTHS

  • Breastfed babies have fewer dental problems and less tooth decay than bottle-fed babies.
  • Wipe your baby’s mouth and gums at least once a day with a soft, clean washcloth.
  • Hold your baby when you feed them. Do NOT put your baby to bed with a bottle.
  • Do not prop up your baby’s bottle.

6-12 MONTHS

  • Your baby is ready to start using a cup.
  • Give your baby a little breastmilk, formula, water, or juice in a cup at mealtimes.
  • Limit juice to 2-4 ounces per day. Never put juice in a bottle.
  • At 9 months, gradually start replacing one bottle at a time with a cup.

 

FIRST BIRTHDAY

  • Take your child to the dentist for their first checkup. Lookout for white spots on their teeth as this could be a sign of cavities.
  • Only give your child a cup, they do not need bottles anymore

 

1-5 YEARS:

  • Help your child brush their teeth at least twice a day. Do not use toothpaste until they are 3 years old, and only use a pea-sized amount.
  • At 15 months your child should stop using no-spill cups
  • Give your child healthy snacks, like vegetables, fruits, cheese, and yogurt.
  • Limit juice.
    • 1-3 years old, limit juice to 4 ounces a day.
    • 4-6 years old, limit juice to 6 ounces a day.
  • Limit sugary foods and drinks, including fruit drinks/juice, sweet tea, and sugary cereals.

Poison Safety Tips for Baby’s Early Years

CONGRATULATIONS!

The Texas Poison Center Network would like to congratulate you on the birth of your child. We want to help you keep your child safe as he or she grows. This brochure contains safety tips for poisoning dangers your child will face during the first few years.

Take a moment and save the number for your local poison center in your cell phone, 1-800-222-1222.

0-6 Months

The most common problem at this age is with medicine.

  • Use measuring syringes or droppers given to you by your pharmacist or doctor. Give the right amount. Do you give a drop or a dropper-full?
  • If you are unsure, check with your pharmacist or doctor before giving the medicine.
  • Any amount over ½ teaspoon (2.5 mLs) should be verified with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • The amount of medicine to give your child is based on their age and weight.
  • Make sure your babysitter has clear instructions for giving medicine to your baby.

6-9 Months

Your baby is now crawling. To see what your baby can see, get on your hands and knees and crawl around the house. Here are some things you should pay attention to:

  • Cleaning products that are kept under cabinets need to be stored out of sight and out of reach.
  • Know the names of your indoor and outdoor plants. Take a leaf and picture to your local plant nursery to find out what it is, then call the poison center to see if the plant could be dangerous to your child.
  • Your baby now has access to the entire floor of your house. The things your baby might find are rat poison, insect bait, and medicine that was dropped by mistake.

9 MONTHS AND UP

Your child may be walking and climbing now, which means they could get into anything.

  • Medicine cabinets are now within reach. Remember child safety caps are not childproof.
  • Children have access to the entire yard. Remove all mushrooms, dangerous plants, and pesticide products from the yard.
  • Children love to get into parent’s things. Do not store medicine in your purse.
  • Remember children’s medicines like vitamins and cough syrups might taste great! If the child can get to this medicine, he may take it.
  • Teach your child that medicine is not candy.
  • Remember, a child’s “taste” is still changing. Just because it tastes bad to you, doesn’t mean it tastes bad to your child.

FOR THE BABYSITTER

Follow these steps if you suspect a child has been poisoned:

  • Take the product away from the child.
  • Check the baby’s mouth and gently remove any pills or liquids. Do not induce vomiting.
  • Call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222
  • Follow the advice the Poison Center gives you.
  • Tell the parents what happened and what steps you have taken.
  • Help parents make the house safe so the baby doesn’t get poisoned again.
  • Go to our website and look under Kids’ Corner to download “Babysitter Notes” to take with you when you baby sit.