Your 15-Month-Old

feed_baby WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR CHILD: THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

1. It may be time for your child's next checkup. This is a time to share your child's amazing accomplishments with his doctor. He's changed a lot since you were there last. Here is a glimpse of what you can expect if you visit the doctor this month:

  • History: be ready to discuss any issues that have come up since your last appointment.

  • Measurements: prepare your baby book for new height, weight and head-circumference measurements.

  • Developmental and behavioural assessment: be prepared to explain your child's developmental milestones. Remember that all children develop at different rates. Do not worry if your child hasn't hit all the 'normal' marks.

  • Immunisations: vaccines may include MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), chicken pox and flu jab (if seasonally appropriate). Click here for more information on the MMR jab

  • Guidance: expect a brief preview of things to look for before your next visit.

  • Physical examination: expect a head-to-toe examination. Feel free to ask your doctor any questions you may have.

  • Questions and answers: before your appointment, be sure to jot down your questions. Use this time to ask for advice and settle any concerns.

    2. Your child is learning how to express her feelings. What could parents possibly enjoy more than knowing that the intense love they feel for their child is truly returned? Each day she's discovering new ways to express her feelings. You'll witness new, intense displays of affection, excitement and pleasure. Keep on hugging and kissing your bundle of joy and take great pleasure in each and every little hug you get back. Now you'll believe that your 4am lullabies were appreciated.

    3. Your toddler learns by playing. You've seen the nature videos - baby animals playing constantly while their mothers stand back and watch. This type of interactive play teaches them about the world in which they live. Similarly, your little one is learning how his world works. Watch closely as your now-mobile toddler moves from one toy to another, trying to figure out what each one does. He'll likely enjoy toys that enable him to stack, nest and hide objects. Other favourites are sure to include pull-along toys that will follow him on his journeys. Watch his face light up as he works out each new skill. He'll look to you for approval and encouragement. Offer both frequently and take time to enjoy his explorations and discoveries.

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    YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH AND SAFETY

    It's time to reexamine your child's car seat. Are you sure you're using the appropriate seat and it's installed correctly? Rearward-facing car seats are only suitable until your baby is around 10-13kg (about 12 months old). Since your child is now over one year old and most likely over the 10kg mark, you've probably moved her to a more advanced forward-facing car seat.

    Be sure to install a forward-facing seat according to the manufacturer's directions. If you are unsure how to install it yourself, consult an expert. Mothercare, Babies R Us, John Lewis and some independent nursery stores have specially trained staff, who can show you how to install your car seat. And if you?re a member of the AA (0990 500600) or RAC (0990 313131) they both have technical advisors available to answer queries on fitting a car seat correctly or finding the right seat for your car.

    Once installed, remember to check the seat frequently, making sure the seat itself is securely fastened to your car's seat and the safety restraints remain in good condition. Most importantly, be certain your child is properly restrained each and every time you go out in the car.

    Nurture the relationship between your child and the family pets. You've managed to shield your baby from your pets for over a year, but now the tables are turned. How can you ensure that your pet will remain friendly with your child, who is now able to grab, tackle and pull fur?

  • Always supervise play. Never leave pets alone with your children.

  • Pay attention to your pets. They experience jealousy, too. Pet, groom and play with them often.

  • Keep your pets' injections up-to-date. Even the most pampered and groomed pet can spread disease.

    Develop a childcare plan for your child's sick days. It's important to look at your options now, before your child is ill, since it may be difficult to make last-minute arrangements.

    Too sick for childcare? Three questions to help you decide:

    1. Does your child have a fever? In most instances it is recommended that she stays at home if she's had a fever within the past 16 hours.

    2. Is she contagious? If you suspect she is, the best place for her is at home, safely tucked away from other susceptible kids. Help limit the spread of infection each day by encouraging proper hand-washing and by teaching her not to share items like drinking cups with others.

    3. Will she be comfortable enough to join in regularly scheduled activities? In order to make her comfortable and speed recovery, you should plan on keeping her at home if her condition will interfere with normal interaction or participation.

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    FUN TOGETHER-TIME ACTIVITIES

    Go on an adventure by car. It's the perfect family holiday. Pack the car, pull out a map, hit the open road and plan to enjoy all our countryside has to offer between your home and your destination. The car is well stocked with pillows, blankets, extra nappies and toys. You've brought every book and tape you own - at least enough to get you through the first chorus of, 'Are we there yet?' Just one small problem remains - how do you ensure that your children eat healthy meals while travelling? Experts offer this advice:

  • Pack familiar foods that are easy to store and eat. For example: bananas, yoghurt and individual boxes of cereal.

  • Be sure to pack perishable foods in a cooler and baby's milk in a well-insulated thermos. Restock ice at every petrol station and rest stop.

  • Stop often at picnic tables or suitable rest areas. Everyone will enjoy getting out of the car for something to eat and a stretch. Be sure to pack enough food for yourselves, as well as your child.

  • Do not allow eating in the car. You may not be able to reach a child should he start to choke. (Drinks are fine. Just be sure to use spill-proof cups to limit the amount of clearing-up.)

  • Most importantly, enjoy your time away from home. Eat healthy foods and remember to take lots of pictures for your scrapbook.

    Make a family time capsule. Your child is growing so quickly. You are amazed at her every move, her adorable smiles and her ever-growing personality. Why not capture these moments so she can enjoy her childhood long into adulthood? Creating a family time capsule is a wonderful way to protect those cherished memories and strengthen your family's bond. Just think of the fun you'll have collecting and preparing photographs, drawings, school papers and other family memorabilia.

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    SIMPLE WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

    Take time out. You've finally got your child and, if you're lucky, your household, into some sort of routine. Want to unwind a little? Take a break, even if it's just for a few minutes:

  • Instead of rushing home from the shops, stop for an ice-cream or a cup of coffee.

  • Taking the rubbish out? Get your partner to watch the kids for 10 minutes, put the rubbish in the bin and keep walking around your neighbourhood.

    When you return, you'll be refreshed and ready to navigate whatever obstacles life may put in your way today.