Twelve- to Fourteen-Month-Olds

You may now give your baby homogenized whole cow's milk, although if you are continuing to breastfeed your toddler at least 2 or 3 times a day, then he likely doesn't need cow's milk yet.

Your infant's diet will begin to resemble that of the rest of the families, with 3 meals and 2 snacks each day. Although some kids at 12 months are just on table food, some are only eating baby food still, and some are still on both.

What You Need To Know Your One-Year-Old

• The American Academy of Pediatrics states that "there is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer."
• Your child should want to feed himself with his fingers and a spoon or fork and should be able to drink out of a cup.
• If switching from breastmilk or infant formula to milk, do not use low fat milk until your child is 2 years old.
• To avoid having to supplement with fluoride, use fluoridated tap water. If you are using bottled or filtered water only, then your child may need fluoride supplements (check with the manufacturer for your water's fluoride levels).
• Most toddlers take two naps during the day at this age and are able to sleep for the majority of the night (at least 11 hours). Some give up their morning nap between now and 18 months.
• At the 12 month checkup, you can expect a complete physical exam, a review of feeding and sleep schedules, measurement of your child's height, weight and head circumference, and immunizations, which might include some combination of MMR, Varivax, Hib, Prevnar, Hepatitis A. Since the age range is 12 to 15 months for most of these shots, your child will likely get some now and some at the 15-month checkup. The third IPV and HepB shots are also sometimes given at 12 months.

• Common Infant Problems

  • Teething
  • Eczema
  • Cradle Cap
  • Breath Holding
  • Pediatric Symptoms
  • Croup
  • RSV
  • Roseola
  • Rotavirus

12-Month-Old Topics

• Your Twelve-Month-Old
• Infant Well Child ChecklistBreastfeed a Toddler
• Switching to Whole Milk
• Fruit Juice
• Early Signs of Autism
• Baby Walkers - Are they safe?
• Home Safety Quiz
• What safety seat to use for a big baby or toddler?
• Baby Shoes
• Limits, Rules and Infant Discipline
• Fish and Mercury
• Backover Safety Alert
• Safety

^Sources:

AAP Policy Statement. Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. PEDIATRICS Vol. 115 No. 2 February 2005, pp. 496-506.