10-12 Months
Help me be healthy
At this checkup:
- I will be weighed and measured.
- I will have any immunizations or blood tests I have missed.
- I will be screened to see if I have been exposed to lead. I can get lead into my body by breathing or eating lead dust, chips, or flakes. The lead can get into my nerves and bones. It can affect the way I learn, grow, and hear. The earlier we catch the problem, the less harm will be done to me.
- Ask about a tuberculin test.
Watch for the signs of an ear infection.
If I tug at my ears or have a cold lasting several days, this could mean that I have an ear infection. Ear infections may have an effect on my hearing. Being sick a lot could affect my growth and learning. If I don't feel well, it may be hard for me to see, hear, think, and learn. If I act, look, or feel like I am sick, please call the doctor or nurse right away.
Play with me. It helps me learn.
- Make a book for me. Use some stiff cardboard for a page. Paste pictures from maga zines and photographs on the pages. I like to see pictures of me, my family members, and my favorite foods, toys, and places on pages in the book. Let me turn the pages.
- Play a game of "Which-hand-is-it-in?" Hold a small object in your hand. Show me what is in your hand. Switch back and forth between your hands several times. Show me both hands closed and say, "Which hand is it in?" When I reach for a hand, say either "No, it's not in this hand. Where is it ?" or "Yes, it's in this hand," and quickly open your hand.
- Let me practice dropping things into containers such as a block into a box. I will need help getting the blocks back out.
- Let me practice feeding myself with a spoon. Applesauce is a good food to try. Chopped and mashed table foods may be given to me now.
Help me be safe.
- I like to pull things out of drawers.
- Make sure that unsafe things are not in the drawers. Give me a drawer or cupboard of my own to store some of my toys.
- Store my toys, books, and things where I can reach them.
- Sturdy shelves, dishpans, buckets, and cardboard boxes are good.
- I can choke on food.
- Do not give me hard-to-chew foods such as popcorn, nuts, raisins, and grapes. Do not give me hot dogs, even if cut into pieces.
- I still need to be watched carefully.
- Common accidents for children my age are:
- Falls
- Choking
- Burns
- Drowning
- Poisoning
- Car accidents
Good Days/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 does not mean you will succeed all the time. Try not to worry about being a super parent or a super family.
If you sometimes feel that you are at the end of your rope, talk to your partner, call a good friend, or call one of the telephone services that can offer support and suggestions on parenting issues. The Parent Resource Line number is 1-800-367-2229. You won't have to give your name.
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 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 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 fun sounds for me to say.
- stop doing something if you say "no". I sometimes only stop doing it for a short time,though.
- follow some easy directions, like "come here" or "give it to me."
- stand by myself for at least 2 seconds.
- sit up all by myself.
Most children can do the things listed above by the time they are one year old. If I am not doing several of the items on this list, talk to my doctor or nurse. If child care in in my future and you need help in finding a good child care facility, call 1-800-367-2229 or your local Smart Start partnership.