Postnatal
Month 13-18
Baby Steps: Growth & Development
Your baby's already passed her first birthday! By now, she's got up to five words in her vocabulary, she can initiate games and he/she may be using a fork or spoon. He/she may be able to run and walk up stairs, play with a ball and draw a line. Much to your chagrin, he/she may have also adopted "no" as her favorite word.1
Your baby's made a lot of new discoveries over the last few months. He/she can turn the pages of a book, and may be "reading" board books on their own. He/she's learned the right way to do certain things, such as use the telephone and take off his/her clothes. He/she's climbing, creating "pretend" games, dancing and can pedal when he/she's put on a tricycle. They're probably down to one nap a day, and he/she may show signs of being ready for potty training.
The temper tantrums may be continuing, and he/she may be getting more finicky about food. He/she responds to simple directions and can speak more clearly.1
Doing Everything Right: Tips for New Moms
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Until your child is two or three years old, you may not know for sure whether he/she'll be right- or left-handed, even if he/she favored one as a young baby. Some kids use both hands until they're five or six. Don't try to influence which one he/she uses though; this could confuse him/her and lead to hand-eye coordination and dexterity problems.2
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Your baby's not walking yet? Relax. It’s completely normal for a child to start walking as early as nine months or as late as 18 months.3
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If your baby's first tooth doesn't appear in the next month or so, or if you notice tooth decay, be sure to tell your pediatrician. He/she'll probably refer you to a dentist.4
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You're busier than ever, but don't let healthy habits take a backseat. Try to make time for regular exercise, a balanced diet and lots of water to help keep your energy level up.
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Your little one may now be able to remember objects long after they're gone from her sight. Let him/her practice this new ability with games of hide-and-seek with his/her favorite toys.
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Some days, you may feel like "no" is the only word your baby knows. Be patient, set limits on what behavior is okay and act the way you want him/her to act. She may not always remember what you've said, but if you're consistent, they'll soon catch on.5
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It's too soon to worry about your child's weight, even if he/she's a little chubby. He/she's probably getting all the exercise they need in their daily routine, but if you think he/she needs to move around more, try to get her involved in active games like tag and limit sedentary activities like watching television.6
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