15 Months of Age
Safety:
- Your toddler is moving more; be aware that they can fall off surfaces. Never leave the baby unattended on a bed, changing table or sofa.
- Continue to use a rear-facing car seat secured in the backseat of the car until 2 years of age.
- Never drink hot liquids while holding your baby or near your baby to avoid burns from accidental spills.
- Make sure your water heater temperature is set to a maximum of 120° F.
- Lower the mattress to lowest level.
- Review handouts provided at the visit in the Safety Packet, especially childproofing your home. Lock away all poisons, medications, lawn and cleaning supplies.
- Keep the Poison Control Number in your phone or readily available: 1-800-222-1222
- Children can drown in a few inches of water. Supervise your child in baths, buckets, pools or near toilets (consider a toilet lock).
- Place gates at top and bottom of stairs and guards on windows. Keep furniture away from windows.
- AAP recommends insect repellents should be less than 30% DEET and used for infants 2 months old and older. Wash off skin with soap and water when done. Wash clothes before wearing again. Do not use combination DEET and sunscreen products. Apply permethrin for ticks to clothes, not to skin.
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, reapplying every 2 hours, and avoid peak sun intensity of 10 am to 3 pm.
Development:
- Says at least 3 to 5 words.
- Walks well.
- Scribbles on paper.
- Can bend down to pick up object and stand.
- Understands one step commands like “bring me your shoes” or “put the book down.”
- Will use objects for their intended purpose like putting a phone to his/her ear or brushing his/her own hair with a brush.
- Starts imaginary play.
Diet:
- Repeatedly offer healthy table foods cut in pieces to avoid choking.
- Introduce cow’s milk (preferably whole or 2%) in a sippy cup. Limit to maximum of 24 oz. a day.
- Give yogurt and cheese if baby is refusing milk.
- Give Poly-vi-sol with iron if the diet seems inadequate.
- Avoid juice.
- Use cups only. Eliminate baby bottles.
- Allow use of utensils even if it is messy. Your child will want to self-feed.
- Your child will become picky and the amount they eat will differ from day to day.
- Family meal times are opportunities to foster good nutritional habits through parental modeling by sitting at the table, interacting socially, turning off the television, and making healthy choices.
Other Helpful Notes:
- Brush your child’s teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush with a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Take your child for their first dental visit.
