It's hard to believe that this is the twelfth month and your child, now a highly individual person, was a tiny, helpless infant only one year ago. Many developments have taken place, but many more are yet to come!

BABY'S DEVELOPMENT

EXPECT SOME OF THESE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENTS ALSO:

• Needs about 12 hours sleep, but may resist it.
• Can pick up small objects.
• Can throw or roll a ball.
• Has an average of six teeth.
• May climb out of playpen or crib.
• May undress herself alone.
• Can hold a large crayon and draw on large paper.

Limit your instructions to one at a time. A one-year-old may not remember several directions at once, so she may do the one she likes best or the last thing you say.

BABY'S HEALTH

Baby may resist her nap now, but it is certainly still important. A late morning or early afternoon nap (11:00-2:00) is often a good solution. Late afternoon naps tend to leave babies with too much energy at bedtime. A morning nap often leaves them cranky in the afternoon. Children often nap better after a light lunch, but a mid-afternoon snack will be needed when they awaken.

Remember that more vaccinations are due now, so check with your doctor or health department.

PARENT-BABY LEARNING GAMES

BABY'S FOOD

Your baby will probably eat three small meals a day. She will wake up hungry and breakfast is very important. She is probably uninterested in new foods, so for now offer the standards you're sure she likes. Some babies eat less because they anticipate having a bottle at the end of the meal. Try delaying the bottle until 1 to 2 hours after the meal so your baby will not associate the two. She may eat better with this schedule. Try not to become overly concerned. Most feeding problems work themselves out with time.

Also your ababy's growth is slowing down. You will soon notice a decrease in the amount your baby eats. She needs fewer calories. Forcing food may cause your child to eat more than she needs - and later develop a weight problem.

BABY'S TEMPERAMENT

Your baby needs a great deal of emotional support. One-year-olds often become afraid of separation from their parents and of new faces and places. Extra comforting is needed, so baby will feel secure. Many parents become sensitive to criticism from their parents, friends, and relatives at this time and may be tempted not to "spoil" their baby with extra attention. It is best to remember that you know your baby and her needs better than anyone else. Consider other people's comments but don't let their criticism change the nuturing you give your baby. Many experts believe that it is impossible to give an infant too mcuh love, hugs, attention, and caring. At this stage in a baby's life, she needs to know that you can always be counted on to respond to her needs. Babies who don't receive consistent nurturing at this age tend to have problems relating to other people later on. Do what you know is best for your child.

SWIMMING

A FINAL WORD ON DISCIPLINE

Encouragement probably produces a better result than any other type of guidance. When your child is "good," do you tend to get all the little chores done that you can't when she's misbehaving? Maybe she is asking for some time with you. Try leaving the chores undone for awhile and encouraging your child's desirable behavior. When "bad" behavior is ignored and good behavior gets positive attention, the inappropriate behavior often ends.

1-2-3 GROW!

Now that your baby is one year old, you have learned a great deal about being a positive parent. The next few years will present different challenges as your baby develops and grows in new ways. Are you ready?

We offer another newsletter, "1-2-3 Grow!" It is designed to offer suggestions during your child's toddler and preschool years. If you would like to receive "1-2-3 Grow!" at no charge, call your local Extension office and let us know. We hope you will so we can keep in touch as your baby grows.