Child Health: Baby 12-18 Months (Child Development Information) - Child Development

12 to 18 Months

PHYSICAL HEALTH
By the time they reach one year of age, most children have tripled their birth weight and grown about 10 inches. Over the next year or so, they undergo a series of changes in body proportion. These changes, especially in the legs, make it easier for a child to balance on two feet. At the same time, bones harden and muscles develop in order to support a toddler's efforts at standing upright and walkng.

Well-Child Check-ups & Immunizations. Toddlers generally go for well-child check-ups every three months at this age (in other words, at 12, 15, and 18 months). Your toddler's doctor will continue to follow your toddler's growth and development, make sure he's eating and sleeping well, and answer any questions you might have. You can expect to be given information sheets about the immunizations that your baby is due to receive at each of these visits. If your child has received all his immunizations as recommended, then the 18-month visit will mark the last check-up at which he'll need shots for a couple of years; the next shots commonly referred to as kindergarten shots will be given at 4 to 6 years of age. If you have questions about how your child is doing, don't hesitate to ask your pediatrician during these visits. Unless your child has a specific need for a sooner follow-up, her next visit will be when she turns 2 years old.

Growth. Your child's doctor will continue to follow his height and weight on a growth chart at each well-child check-up to make sure that he is following an expected pattern of growth. Be aware that a child's rate of growth tends to slow down in the second year of life.

Teeth. Getting your 12- to 18-month-old accustomed to brushing his teeth (and having you brush them as well) will help teach him good habits for the future. While toothpaste is not recommended for children this age because they inevitably swallow it, starting to take your child to see a dentist who is experienced in the care of children's teeth is definitely a good idea.

Safety. With a very active toddler in the house, you'll want to make sure that your child's environment is well childproofed. Assume that your child can get into things that were previously considered out of reach. Scan each room and think about what your child might be able to get into, taking the time to reorganize your kitchen drawers and cabinets, remove sharp objects from lower drawers and garbage cans, and make sure windows and stairs are well protected. Continue to pay close attention to keeping small objects away from your child (and out of her mouth). While it is a good age to start disciplining your child and teaching him the meaning of the word "no," realize that it is your toddler's job to test limits, and you shouldn't expect him to willingly comply.

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