|
This
year has certainly been full of new and exciting experiences for everyone.
By now your child's mobility, and therefore danger to
himself and herself and those around him or her is increasing by leaps and bounds. He
or she might already
be taking a few steps without support. He or she is surely learning to fall like a
champion; an occasional fall is a rite of passage for all children.
Your child is also working on developing an enormous vocabulary,
although he or she is probably only saying a couple of words as of yet. (Being able to
say "dada" first is in no way a slight to "mama," it's just easier for little mouths
to get out.)
Peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake will start providing hours of
enjoyment now. Meals are becoming more and more just like the rest of the
family's. Your child can drink whole or 2 percent milk now instead of formula or
breast milk. Cups should begin replacing bottles. Don't be alarmed about a drop
in your child's appetite. He or she isn't going to waste away. His or her energy needs have
just decreased a bit.
Safety
first
- As children begin to pull themselves up, they might grab and
pull down tablecloths on which heavy or hot objects have been placed.
- Increased mobility might lead to falls. Use gates at
stairwells, and install safety devices on windows and screens if necessary.
Avoid gates with diamond-shaped slats, which provide footholds for climbing
toddlers. Instead use gates with straight, vertical slats and a swinging
door.
- Keep sharp objects (knives, scissors, tools, razor blades)
and other hazardous items (coins, glass objects, beads, pins, medicines) in
a secure place.
- Secure electrical extension cords to baseboards and cover
electrical outlets.
- Do not store toxic substances in empty soda bottles,
glasses, or jars.
- All poisonous substances should be placed in a locked
cabinet. In the event of an accidental poisoning, call the POISON
CONTROL CENTER at 1-800-222-1222.
- Upgrade to a toddler car seat when your child weighs 20
pounds.
- The hot water tap should be set at less than 120 degrees
Fahrenheit. Most burns occur in the bathroom.
- Never drink hot liquids or smoke while holding your baby,
especially now that your baby can reach out.
|
