Your child’s first birthday is a good time to evaluate a number of
issues and, if necessary, make changes that will make the toddler years easier
for both of you.
The first change is in the bottle. After one, the only liquid that goes
into the bottle is water – no formula, milk or juice. The child can still have
a bottle anytime he wants, but, by only putting water in the bottle, you’ll be
helping his appetite, his teeth, his weight and his health in general. In
addition, your budget will be improved when you no longer have to buy formula.
So, the plan for a one-year old is that he drinks regular milk at meal times,
in a non-spill cup, drinks water between meals – especially in the naptime and
bed time bottles – and never drinks formula or juice.
His meal menu now is regular food – no more baby food and no special
meals. You chop up whatever you are eating and then put it on the tray in front
of him. It is important that you also sit down with him and eat your meal, too
– kids eat better when the parent eats with them and they are more likely to
try foods that they see the parent eating. No more feeding him, no more “Here
comes the airplane”. Just put it
in front of him and let him go – some goes in the hair, some goes in the ears
and some gets into the mouth. When more food hits the floor that hits the
mouth, remove the tray – he’s done eating. If he refuses everything, think back
to what he may have eaten or drunk the two hours before the meal. In most
instances, refusal to eat is caused by not being hungry rather than “he doesn’t
like it”. Resist the temptation to try other foods that you think he’ll like –
this results in hot dogs at every meal and you teaching your baby that you’re
willing to be a short-order cook.
Stranger and separation anxiety are beginning now, so remember that
“loveys” – blankets, worn stuffed animals and even special clothes – are all
very important now. You may need to carry around an extra bag or two, but he
needs them. Also remember how important repetition is for his security as you
read the same story for the 16th time that day. Don’t force Grandma
on him if he acts frightened – he’ll warm up to her gradually in his own time.
He can still have the pacifier, but it never leaves the crib. As soon as
he wakes up, he’ll want out of the crib, but when you pick him up, leave the
pacifier behind. If he wants to go back to get it, he finds that it has
(amazingly) disappeared. But it will reappear again at naptime and at bedtime
when he gets back into the crib. If he has been taught that he can have the
pacifier all day, this habit may be a little hard to break, but don’t give up.
In a very short time, he’ll go with the new program and it will save you a
world of trouble.
Keep the car seat facing the rear of the car for as long as you possibly
can. It is always the safest way to transport toddlers, too.
Don’t worry about buying expensive, hard-soled shoes. His feet will grow
fine whether you put him in the shoe or the shoebox.
Finally, remember how important time together is. You are his teacher, his
role model and the source of all his love and security. Spend as much relaxed,
non-structured, play time as you possibly can with him. All too soon he’ll be a
teenager.
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