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It's hard to believe it has been a year since you brought that tiny infant home. And now she's developing into a person in her own right, with a personality all her own. It won't be long now before you start to see the physical changes that say she'll be a toddler soon, so cherish the moment! Also this month, you've got a landmark birthday to plan for (if you haven't already started) — so celebrate!.
Your baby’s development
Engaging your 12 month old's mind
This month's new activities include:
- Introducing her to brief playdates for group play practice (although there won't be much interactive playing yet)
- Showing her how to pull a pull toy. (To prevent choking, keep toys with long strings put away when you can't watch your baby play.)
- "Reading" a picture book with her — identifying what you see on each page
Planning a safe and fun first birthday party
Baby birthdays are a lot of fun — and you'll probably never throw a shorter party. Here are some tips to help make yours a success:
For safety:
- Limit the party area to one childproofed room.
- Remove all breakables and sharp objects.
- Avoid snacks such as popcorn and peanuts — even for adults. Babies can pick them up from the floor and choke on them.
For your guests:
- Make sure each child has a toy, party favor, and a chair. (You could ask guests bringing babies to their own high chairs.)
- Provide disposable bibs and baby wipes for quick cleanups.
- Take lots of pictures. Make doubles to send to the guests.
Party time:
- Set a time limit — an hour should be enough. Any longer and you may have exhausted babies (and parents).
- Lots of decorations, safe snacks, and music set the tone.
- Play short games, such as rolling/bouncing balls. Everyone gets a prize.
- Play music, sing songs, and dance.
Baby Bottle-Weaning tips
Around 12 months, many babies are happy to abandon the bottle for a sippy cup. If your baby can't quite take that step yet, here are some things to try:
- Take it slow. Trade the bottle for the cup at noontime.
- Offer the cup instead of the morning and evening bottles.
- Don't let your baby carry the bottle around with her. Limit the places she can have it (on your lap, at the table).
- Don't introduce new beverages in a sippy cup. Let her drink only breast milk, or infant formula.
- Give her a snack before bedtime. It could help her get to sleep.
- Spend time with her blankie or favorite special animal before bedtime, instead of the bottle. There may be a few tears the first few nights.
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