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Growth & DevelopmentMONTH 12 - What's Going On This Month?Your BabyLoves to play with toys, pots and hard plastic spoons or play pat-a-cake and “peek-a-boo.” Usually follows a definite daily pattern. Likes to feed self. Displays sense of humor. Can climb up and down stairs. Can hold things with one hand while doing something else with the other hand. Dance or bounce to music. S/he may love rolling balls. Will use index finger to point at things. Your baby may be able to stand alone, walk or squat down. S/he may obey simple commands such as “no” or “give it to me,” and bang two blocks held in his/her hands. Say “Mama” and “Dada” to his/her parents and imitate words. S/he will show you great affection, but may collapse in a tantrum when things don’t go his/her way. Likes to be the center of attention now. Understands and follows simple directions. Responds to name. Hunts for a toy and, even if they don’t find it right away, they can remember where they saw it last. Wants parents or care-givers to always be where they can be seen. Afraid of strangers and unfamiliar places. Will keep trying to do something and may even solve the problem through trial and error. Will use one word to express a whole thought. Caring For Your BabyBetween 12 and 18 months, your baby should get the following shots: Hib disease (Haemophilus influenzae type b), MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella), and chicken pox vaccine. Be sure to clean your baby’s teeth and gums. Take your baby to his/her first dental visit. Let your child carry a special blanket of toy to help feel secure. Be consistent with your baby’s schedule. Re-baby proof the house, your baby may be walking and climbing now. Continue to use a car seat (in the back seat) approved for your baby’s size. NutritionTalk to your baby’s doctor or nurse about switching from breast milk or formula to whole milk. If your baby is breastfed, you may want to continue nursing or decide to wean your baby. Your baby will eat most of what the rest of the family eats—usually about a tablespoon of each food either chopped or mashed. Feed your baby three meals a day with several healthy snacks between. Growth and Development ActivitiesTalk to your baby while working around the house so s/he can learn new words. Sing songs and read nursery rhymes. Show your baby pictures in books and magazines, pointing at objects and naming them. Show your baby how to stack large blocks. Play with puppets and have the puppets talk to your baby. Encourage your baby to walk without holding on. Play games with your baby such as pointing, tossing, placing and catching. At home, play hide-and-seek by hiding just behind a door, calling to your baby, and then peeking out so you can be found. It helps your baby know when you disappear, you will come back. Information adapted from the following Resources:
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