Thinking, Feeling and Doing

• I can tell when you are feeling happy, sad or angry.
• I like to drop things just to see you pick them up.
• I might cooperate more when you dress me.
• I might be afraid of the dark.
• I can wave bye-bye.
• I want to touch everything while I explore my world.
• I put a lot of things in my mouth to learn more about them.
• My attention span is getting longer.
• I might become attached to a special toy, blanket or other object.
• Never shake me if I cry or am unhappy. Shaking can cause brain damage, blindness, paralysis or even death.

Sleeping

• I am developing a more regular sleeping pattern and am probably sleeping through the night.
• I like to nap for 1 to 2 hours in the afternoon. I might not need a morning nap.

Playing

• I like to look at picture books.
• You can help me learn to stand by gently pulling me up from a sitting position.
• I can practice walking with your help. Hold me under the arms from behind while I practice stepping.
• Some of the toys I might like are stacking toys, toys that push, open, squeak and move, large dolls and puppets, push-pull toys and toy telephones.
• I might also like things from around the house, like empty boxes, old magazines, paper tubes and empty plastic bottles.

Eating

• Milk is still very important but I do not need as much milk now that I am eating other foods. Ask our community health nurse how much milk I need to drink.
• Try giving me a variety of different foods. Our community health nurse can suggest foods that I can eat.
• I can hold and drink from a cup.
• Let me try feeding myself by giving me finger foods or letting me practice using a spoon.
• Because I am growing more slowly, I will probably eat less as I get closer to my first birthday.
• I will let you know when I am full. Please do not over feed me.
• I learn eating skills by watching others. Feed me when you and the rest of my family eat your regular meals.

Child Care

• If I need child care, talk to a community health nurse. She can tell you what to look for in a child care setting.