Happy Birthday Baby!! The one-year anniversary is an exciting milestone. At points, you probably doubted that you would survive the sleep deprivation and hectic schedule. Give yourself a huge pat on the back, and CONGRATULATIONS!
As we discussed at 9 months, your child is exploring at all levels now and is standing up much of the time. Not all babies are walking yet, but it should be just over the horizon. If your child isn’t making any attempts to stand with support or to crawl, please let us know.
Once your child is upright most of the time, there is a whole new world to explore. However, growing independence and curiosity can also expose toddlers to potential hazards. Now, more than ever, it is important to take stock of your childproofing. Are the cabinets locked? Are the outlets covered? Are the gates securely in place? If your child is particularly curious and crafty, you may find that you need locks on the garbage can, oven, and refrigerator.
One helpful trick is to keep all of the “safe” things (like Tupperware, lid covers, etc.) in the bottom drawers, and all of the hazardous materials overhead and out of reach. In the end, you will welcome the fact that a drawer full of Tupperware can keep your toddler occupied for a while as you try to get things accomplished in the kitchen.
On the one hand, supervision is essential for one-year-olds. On the other hand, give your child the freedom to safely explore on her own. Relaxed parents create a more nurturing and calm environment for their child.
“Stranger anxiety” may increase at this age, and your little one will start to have “favorite” people and things. Once again, this is normal behavior, even for the most well-adjusted babies.
Language, although mostly unintelligible, should be increasing at this age. Your child will attempt to imitate words and may even pick up a word or two besides “mama” and “dada”. Keep reading and singing!
We will obtain weight, height, head circumference, hemoglobin, and lead levels. There are several vaccines planned.