Well Kids — 15 Months

Development:

The 15 month-old is a pretty busy person. Your baby is walking well now, and should be able to stoop to pick up toys without losing balance. Although vocabulary is still rather limited children at this age are generally able to make their wishes known. They may use grunts and pointing, but that is still OK. The persistent "me want" attitude is annoying to parents, but is a normal expression of the child's curiosity and desire to explore the world.

This normal curiosity also creates more independence in children at this age. This also creates a challenge for parents. You must protect your child from dangers while still allowing exploration and growth.

Feeding:

Your baby should be entirely on table foods, and drinking from a cup. You should shoot for about 16 ounces (one pint) of whole milk each day. Make sure your child gets a good variety of meat, vegetables, fruits, breads and cereals. Children at this age are not growing as fast as they were, so they do not need as much to eat. Offer three well-balanced meals each day, and one or two nutritious snacks. Avoid candies and other sweets.

Discipline:

Children need firm limits and the discipline to enforce them. This is to protect your child from danger as well as to teach proper behavior. The strong independence in 15 month-olds leads them to approach every new experience with enthusiasm. To protect your baby and teach right from wrong you will find yourself saying "No!" often. However, continually saying "no" is frustrating for both children and parents. One alternative is to distract your baby from undesirable activities or objects. Above all, make sure you praise your child for good behavior. If you need more suggestions or have other questions about your child's behavior, please call us or speak with your provider.

Temper Tantrums:

Like it or not, children at this age like to throw tantrums. We have tried to come up with a new and improved child that is tantrum-free, but the research is still bogged down. So, we are afraid that you will just have to do like all the other parents, and live with them. Admittedly, all the screaming, hitting, head-banging and breath-holding are frightening experiences for parents. However, you should remain calm and firm. If you give in to your child, he or she will simply learn that yelling and screaming will make you give in, and tantrums will only get worse. Make sure that your child is all right and cannot get hurt, then ignore him. Spanking and yelling will only make the tantrum worse.

Toys:

Your baby's favorite game now is throwing toys on the floor and expecting you to pick them up. Another fun game is the "In-and-Out Game". Children can spend many happy hours putting objects into a small container and then dumping them out again. Give your child some small objects (not too small - the size of a wooden block is about right), and a cup or bowl. Other good (and cheap) toys are spoons and a pan, clothespins and a plastic milk bottle, measuring cups, blocks to stack, and balls. Your child is also learning about textures and how things feel. Try pieces of cloth, some slick cardboard, a bit of fake fur or anything else that is safe and has a different feel to it. Teach your baby the location of various body parts. (Show me your nose, your eyes, etc.)

"Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes!"

Toilet Training:

Don't bother. Most children at this age are not physically ready for toilet training. It will be much easier on both of you if you wait a little longer.

Safety:

• Check all toys for small removable parts that could cause your child to choke.
• Also avoid certain foods, such as nuts, popcorn and other small pieces.
• Keep your floor clean and free of any small objects such as pins, screws, and beads.
• Never leave your baby unattended near water.
• Never leave your baby in the house alone.
• Consider fencing your yard.
• Keep all products that might harm your baby locked up and out of reach. This includes detergents, furniture polish, cleansers, pesticides, shoe polish, glue, lye, paint, and even cosmetics.
• Find the number of your local Poison Control Center and post it next to every phone. If you think your child may have taken something poisonous, call the poison control number. Do not give Ipecac or attempt to induce vomiting unless told to do so by the Poison Control Center.
• Make sure all the screens in your windows are secure, so your child cannot easily push them open. Opening the top half of windows is even safer.
• Put gates at the top and bottom of any stairs, to prevent falls.
• Cover or cap all unused electric outlets.
• If you must own a gun, empty it out (including the firing chamber) and lock it up.

If you have any concerns about your baby's health, please call your doctor. Please do not give any medicines without talking to your doctor first. We are happy to help you in any way we can.