Your 17-Month-Old

YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH AND SAFETY

It's time to take a look at the amount of fibre in your child's diet. Experts recommend that a child's daily fibre intake be equivalent to one gram of fibre for every year of life, plus an additional five grams. So, your one-year-old should eat six grams of fibre per day. Fresh fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of fibre. For fussy eaters, try whole grains in breads and cereals.

Double-check your safety precautions. Your toddler's physical abilities have advanced significantly since last year. Take a few minutes to inspect gates, cupboard and drawer locks, and plug socket covers. Have you pushed table and countertop items back at least 12 inches from the edge? Are your window-shade strings rolled up? Have you made certain your child cannot climb onto any windowsills? Have you secured exterior doors with locks that are out of reach if your toddler is now able to open doors? Spend a little time reviewing and revamping your safety precautions, and rest assured knowing your family will be as secure as possible.

You may wonder if it's appropriate to undress in front of your child. While the issue of parental nudity in the presence of a child is a highly personal one, experts advise that naturally occurring nudity (i.e., showering or dressing) is not considered inappropriate. In fact, this type of nudity may actually boost your child's self-esteem by showing him that you are comfortable with who you are and that the human body is not something to be ashamed of. Of course you'll need to reassess the situation as your children grow toward puberty, making sure you consider every family member's need for privacy. But for now you may want to keep the door open, if only to keep an eye on your toddler while you dress.