| One Year |
|---|
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Your child is now one year old. You have enjoyed one of the most exciting years
of your child's life. Breathe a sigh of relief and watch your child as he
begins to talk, walk and balk.
NUTRITION
The bottle is now more of a convenience for us as parents than a necessity
for the child. Now is the time to introduce a cup, if you have not already
done so. After weaning from breast milk or formula, we recommend whole
milk until 2 years of age. Your child will begin to eat independently and
may be an erratic or picky eater. He is getting better at feeding himself.
Give your baby some freedom, but not total control of eating. Offer nutritious
foods, and make meal time a happy time. Our example as parents will greatly
influence our children’s eating habits. In addition, you should be
brushing your child's teeth at least once a day. No toothpaste is needed
until he can spit on demand. The first dental checkup is usually around
age 3 years. If your drinking water is not fluoridated, you may need to
add a fluoride supplement. Please discuss this with us.
SAFETY
Concerns include car seat restraints, smoke detectors, fire avoidance, poison
prevention, hot water temperature, passive smoke, dental health and general
household safety. If not already done, "Kiddie locks" on cabinets
and removal of dangerous items such as scissors, knives, cleansers or dangling
electric cords can help prevent injuries. Lowering your child's crib mattress
is also recommended. Children from 1-3 years of age are at the highest
risk of poisoning. Protect your child by keeping medicines, cleaners, insecticides
and beauty products out of sight and reach. Because accidents and ingestion
of harmful materials may take place, we recommend you have emergency numbers
handy. If your baby has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, call
Poison Control 4O4-616-9OOO for immediate advice. Use gates at the top
and bottom of stairways to prevent dangerous falls. Never leave your child
alone in a bath or near containers of water, including wading pools. If
left alone, children can drown in only one inch of water. If you have a
firearm, store it locked and separate from ammunition.
DISCIPLINE
now becoming more a part of your child's life. Each child will respond differently
to various approaches. Some children will be compliant; others will be
strong-willed. Teaching your child safe, polite and appropriate behavior
is a very big job that is already underway. Many books have been written
and you may find these helpful:
The New Dare
to Discipline & The New Strong Willed Child by James Dobson
Good Behavior by Stephen Garber
How to Really Love Your Child by Ross
Campbell
Shepherding a Child’s Heart by
Ted Trip
EDUCATION
more and more become a part of your child's life. Language development is very
important.
NEXT APPOINTMENT
Make an appointment for your 15 month physical. Your baby may be due additional
immunizations at that visit.