Your 9 to 12 month baby
Are you exhausted? It’s no wonder. As your baby approaches 12 months, he seems to just get busier and busier! Unfortunately the newfound independence he’s enjoying as he crawls and cruises, hasn’t brought with it any associated respect for safety. So you find yourself constantly following him around to make sure he survives to his first birthday - and hopefully beyond!
Food – nutrition plus learning
Ensuring that your baby has sufficient calories and protein in his diet is a challenge when mealtimes are also an event to display that new independence. Offer your baby a meal of mashed vegetables with a protein, but at the same time give him the feeling of independent feeding by providing cooled, steamed veggies or a small block of cheese to eat with his hands. Be sure to watch for choking as he explores finger food.
Sleep time
During this period your baby will start to drop a day sleep and will settle into a pattern of one morning and one afternoon nap. These must still be taken in his own bed. The secret to maintaining good sleep habits at this stage is to have a regular, calming bedtime.
Busy, busy, busy
As your baby works his way to the one-year mark, he really gets mobile. Whether it is by fast crawling or hesitant walking, your baby is on the move. Provide lots of opportunities for crawling and walking. Do not use a walking ring if you can help it. Not only is it dangerous but it is also not good for the development of crawling and walking.
Your baby now understands tone of voice well and is beginning to interpret words. Songs, rhymes and books all provide excellent foundations for future intelligence and language.
 |
