Your Baby's 15 Month Visit

NUTRITION

Infants should still be drinking whole milk until their second birthday.  Your infant will need only 12-14 ounces of dairy a day.  Remember if your infant isn’t a big milk drinker, cheeses and yogurt and even some other nondairy foods can be additional sources of calcium.

Your toddler now can have most of the same foods as the rest of the family.  Avoid foods that could cause choking hazards like nuts, fruits with seeds, grapes, stringy vegetables, raw carrots, popcorn and hard candy.  Given a choice of healthy foods, toddlers will eat a well balanced diet.  Repeatedly offering new foods may keep her from becoming a picky eater.  Your baby’s appetite may decrease at this age and vary from day to day.  This is normal because the rate of growth is slower now.  As long as your baby is eating a variety of foods from the 4 basic food groups, there is no need for additional vitamins or iron.

Mealtime should be a pleasant experience for the entire family.  Let your child experiment with food; do not force eating, but encourage them to try new or less preferred foods by offering them  with familiar foods.  Have your child sit in a highchair and do not allow walking around or running during mealtime.  Offering a couple of nutritious snacks during the day is appropriate, but do not use snacks as a reward, and limit or avoid snacking if you notice that snacking results in decreased appetite for the more nutritionally dense foods usually offered at mealtimes.

Encourage your child to learn to feed him/herself with his/her fingers.  This is also the time to introduce utensils to your growing toddler.  Remember, at first it will be a bit messy, but with a little time, she will become a master at feeding herself.  Your toddler should be drinking only from a cup now, and no juice is necessary.

SLEEPING

It’s important to help your child learn to sleep well – good habits let your children enjoy their days to the fullest extent.  Establish a bedtime routine and a consistent time for bed.  Be firm when it comes time for bed.

Have a quiet time prior to putting your baby to bed, so that he or she is not overly excited from play and unable to go to sleep.  Reading a story is a perfect way to settle down for sleep.

Separation anxiety can cause bedtime problems – introducing a special blanket or soft toy can help your child comfort themselves.

Be sure to brush your baby’s teeth each day with a soft toothbrush and a sesame-seed sized dot of fluoridated toothpaste.  Consider starting to see a dentist if at least all the 1 year molars are in.

PLAYTIME

Your baby will be active and on-the-go all the time.  Babies want to show independence, but need a safe place to explore and need to be watched constantly.  Encourage her to play alone and with others.  Appropriate toys and games include blocks for stacking and building, naming body parts, picture books, soft cuddly toys, push-pull toys, and balls.

DISCIPLINE

  • Toddlers need reasonable limits set to help them learn what is expected of them, as well as to protect them from harmful situations.

  • Most one year olds understand the meaning of “No”. You must be consistent in teaching your children; thus, “No” means “No” for the same thing every day.

  • Parents should discuss what is acceptable and not acceptable behavior so the rules are consistent. Do not be surprised if your child says “no” in return.

  • Do not allow biting, hitting, or aggressive behavior. Expect temper tantrums. Children this age are trying to learn to be independent, but they cannot judge correct or safe behavior.

  • Anticipate problems: for example, put valuable or breakable articles out of reach instead of trying to say “no” all the time. If he breaks a rule, remove him from the problem area and encourage some other activity.

  • Avoid slapping hands and spanking at this age since he will find this action hard to understand. If parents show loss of control by hitting or yelling, they will teach their children similar behavior when frustrated.

  • Don’t forget to praise correct behavior in your child. Say things like, “I like it when you help me pick up your toys.”

  • Catch them being good!!

SAFETY

If your baby plays outside, a fenced yard and constant watching are necessary.  Streets and driveways are very dangerous.

Poison-proof your house.  Check storage cabinets for kerosene, solvents, paints and removers, drain cleaners.  Keep these items out of reach and locked up.  Keep all medications locked up.

Never leave your baby alone in the bathtub or near a pool of water.  When outdoors, remember to use sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid sunburns.

Watch out for burns.  Check for lighters or matches left around the house or yard.  Turn handles of skillets away from the edge of the stove.  Do not leave hot liquids on counters or tabletops.  Teach the meaning of “hot.”

Child safety seats are still required by state law at this age and recommendations are to leave your infant in a rear-facing car seat until the age of  2.  The safest place remains the back seat.  Remember, children younger than 12 years old should never be placed in the front seat where there is an air bag. 

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES

  • Says 3-10 words

  • Can point to 1-2 body parts

  • Understands simple commands

  • Walks well, stoops to pick up toys, may run, climb stairs

  • Starting to use spoon, using cup well

  • Points to demonstrate wants

  • Can listen to a simple story