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Fifteen Months Old

Fifteen Months Old

FIFTEEN MONTH OLD

DATE: WEIGHT: HEIGHT:

DEVELOPMENT:

As your child enters his second year, he rapidly develops mobility and independence. Most babies are walking well at this age and many have even begun running and climbing. His little fingers get more adept at grabbing, holding and throwing, though sometimes objects may still be put into the mouth.

Most toddler’s legs and feet do not look “normal” until they have been walking for several years. One or both feet or legs may turn in or out and the legs are usually quite bowed. Although many parents are understandably worried , this very seldom needs treat ment. The feet and legs will gradually straighten as their owner runs, climbs, plays and grows. Shoes become necessary when the child starts to walk outside where he could step on something sharp; otherwise, bare feet are fine. Buy soft shoes that fit properly.

Language development varies quite a bit among normal toddlers. He should be able to understand quite a lot but may have as few as one or two words or as many as ten or twelve. He will ask for things by pointing and may be able to point to objects or body parts.

Some children resist bedtime. Be firm and consistent about the time to go to bed. Giving your child a familiar object (doll, blanket, etc.,) and allowing the child to participate in a bedtime ritual helps him master the situation. Reading the child a story on a regular basis may help relax him, teach him to like books, and help him to look forward to bedtime as a positive experience.

Exploration, negativism, and impusive behavior are natural at this age. The transition to a more self-sufficient state should be a source of gratification for parents, yet often becomes an area of great conflict. Children need direction and regularity and usually do better with regular times for eating, bathing, storytime, naps, and bedtime. They can seldom be “obedient” at this age. It’s best to leave “no” for important things and to reserve a mild spank on the bottom for matters involving safety. Changing his environment to remove “no-no”s” and trying to be tolerant of harmless, though irritating behavior will save lots of useless shouting and prevent tension between parent and child.

DIET:

Toddlers may seem to have a dramatic fall in appetite during the second year. This is normal; children grow much slower than they did during the first year. Offer three balanced meals a day and a nutritious snack or two. Don’t force food or make mealtimes a time of conflict. A healthy child won’t starve himself or develop a vitamin deficieny if proper foods are available. For an extremely picky eater, you may buy a multivitamin to give daily. Vitamins are usually unnecessary, but may relieve your anxiety about her diet and won’t do any harm if kept out of reach in a childresistant container. Most babies will drink mostly from a cup now. An occaisional bottle won’t hurt, but she should not be allowed to take a bottle to bed as this will often cause tooth decay.

Continue teaching your child good nutritional habits. Limit eggs to two or three per week, red meat to five servings a week, and avoid fatty foods (fried foods, butter, ice cream, etc.). You should not, however, use skim milk until after the child’s second birthday. Limiting intake of salty and sweet foods is also a good habit to start. Foods, especially sweets, should not be used as a reward. A proper diet started early in life may help prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

SAFETY:

Car seats are still a must and, in fact, are required by law no matter how much he protests or how short the trip. Never leave your child alone in the car! One of the leading causes of death in California children is drowning. Despite claims to the contrary, swimming lessons won’t drownproof a toddler. Make sure that pools and spas are fenced or otherwise inaccessible, and be especially careful when visiting friends or relatives that have a pool or when at a park, beach, or when boating. Children of this age can easily choke on small hard foods. They should never be given nuts, bacon, popcorn, gum, etc. and they should not be allowed to eat while walking or playing. Syrup of Ipecac should be handy. Hot water thermostats should be set no higher than 120 degrees. Install guards on all windows above the first story.

IMMUNIZATIONS:

Today yor child received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. This offers lifelong protection for most children with no further booster doses needed. There are usually no side effects, though an occaissional child may have a fever or rash that occurs a week or so after the shot is given. Another DPT and polio booster may also be given now. Please let us know if your child is in a daycare situation with more than five other children, because he should then receive at eighteen months the H.I.B. vaccine to protect him against meningitis. If your child is not in daycare, the shot is given after the second birthday.

READING:

Your One Year Old : Ames and Ilg
Toddlers and Parents, A Declaration of Independence : Brazelton The Second Twelve Months of Life : Caplan