• I can babble and screech in my own little language and may even say mama and dada and one or two other words, especially ones only mom and dad can interpret.

• I can drink from a "sippy" cup.

• I can throw a ball.

• I can point with my index finger.

• I can bang two blocks together.

• I can pick up small objects and feed myself with my fingers.

• I can pull up to stand and walk holding on; I may even take a few steps alone.

• I like to look at pictures and name the things I see.

• I can wave bye-bye.

• If I am breast-feeding, it is okay to start weaning me off now to whole milk. If I am taking formula you can let me have whole milk in a cup, please.

• Do not give me high sugar foods, such as desserts and candy.

• I can eat many table foods in small pieces and practice with my cup and spoon. Please do not give me foods like hot dogs, grapes, nuts and popcorn because I may choke on them. It is normal for me to gain weight a bit more slowly now. I am also becoming very picky about what I eat. If you are really concerned, talk to my doctor.

• Keep my juice diluted and minimal –less than 6 oz per day. Too much may make me less likely to eat more nutritious foods.

• Brush my teeth with a soft brush and a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste after meals.

• Please do not put me to bed with a bottle of juice or milk. Do not allow me to carry about a bottle or sippy cup with fluids other than water. These practices will harm my teeth.

• Hold me, cuddle me and talk to me. I love it!

• Play pat a cake and peek-a-boo with me. Read to me. I love looking at pictures.

• Please choose age appropriate games and toys.

• Talk to my doctor about my baby-sitters and how they can help take care of me when you are not at home.

• I love to empty containers and drawers-this is a fun game when we play together.

• Please keep guns and bullets in a separate place and lock them up!

• Set water heaters to no more than 120° F.

• The back seat of the car is the safest for me. I can safely face forward if I weigh at least 20 pounds.

• Please do not let me play with sharp objects.

• Make sure all electrical outlets at home have safety plugs. Make sure all medicines at home are locked up. I am very curious about these things and like to get into cabinets and taste everything. I can also move fast so keep an eye on me all the time.

• Empty all buckets and any other large containers after each use. Never leave me alone in a bathroom. Keep toilets closed or use toilet locks to keep me from falling into them.

• Please do not let anyone smoke in the house or in the car.

• Check to make sure smoke alarms are working. Change the batteries to the smoke alarms two times a year (when the time changes in the spring and fall).

• Child sized sunglasses with UV protection are good to protect my eyes. Use a hat that shields my face and broad spectrum sunscreen on exposed areas.

• Never shake me.

• Don’t swing me by my arms. It can dislocate my elbows.

• Please do not view my new independence as an insult to your authority. When I do something wrong, say "no" verbally, then remove me from the situation. Redirection is the best way to help me out of trouble.

• Offer me an acceptable toy or activity in place of the unacceptable choice ("Here, have this ball instead of Daddy’s pen").

• Limit the number of rules but be consistent.

• Praise me when I do good things.

• My brothers and sisters need attention too. Have them do simple things to help with my care. Spend some time with them alone if you can so they feel they are important too. Encourage both parents to spend time with me and play with me.

Sleeping

Medem: Medical Library: Ages 8 to 12 Months: Sleeping

• Point to one or more parts of my body when you call them out.

• Understand simple things you tell me to do.

• Walk well, stoop and get up again, and climb up stairs and run slowly.

• Stack 3-4 blocks.

• Feed myself with my fingers.

• Use a spoon and cup.

• Look at pictures and name the things I see.

• Throw a ball.