As your baby reaches 1 year of age, you are probably going to look back on this year, wondering where all the time has gone. Doesn’t it feel like yesterday your baby just entered this world?
At the same time, you need to make sure your 1-year-old child is developing appropriately. What are a few developmental Milestones you should expect your 1-year-old to reach? Take a look at the list below, and make sure you reach out to a professional who can help you.
Weight and Size at 1 Year
Your 1-year-old has done a lot of growing during the past year. By the time your child reaches 12 months of age, they will have grown considerably. At 12 months, the average boy is going to weigh 21 pounds, and they are going to be 30 in in height. In contrast, the average girl is going to weigh approximately 20 pounds, and roughly 29.5 inches in length.
Remember that we are still measuring children in length instead of height at this age because a lot of 12 months old are not yet able to support themselves on their own. Keep in mind that your baby does not necessarily have to be close to the middle. It is more important for your child to be following his or her own growth curve, which your pediatrician should be able to track for you.
Development of the Senses at 1 Year
Your baby’s senses have also developed significantly in the past year. For example, many 12-month-olds are able to stand up and walk while holding onto a surface for support and balance, this practice is commonly referred to as “cruising.”
You may also notice that your baby has become a lot more curious, and is exploring more. Because your baby cannot move efficiently, he or she is going to be more curious about the external world. They may try climbing stairs or furniture, put objects in their mouth, or further cultivate motor skills by picking up every item that they can. Keep your child safe by protecting him or her from:
- Sharp objects
- Dangerous foods
- Potential falls
- Cleaning supplies
Feeding at 1 Year
At this age, most babies are eating three full meals in a day. Your baby is probably eating a variety of solid foods at this point. A few examples include:
- Apples
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Chicken
At this age, your child can also start gradually weaning away from breast milk. A lot of babies at this age are still breastfeeding approximately 24 oz per day; however, because your baby’s teeth are going to start coming in, you should think about transitioning away from the bottle to a sippy cup to protect your child’s teeth.
Bowel Movements at 1 Year
Your baby should be having approximately 1 soft bowel movement per day. As you transition away from breast milk toward other foods, you may notice that the appearance of your child’s bowel movements begins to change. This is a normal occurrence, but if you have any questions or concerns, you should reach out to your pediatrician for more information.
If your child goes for a few days without having a soft bowel movement, you may want to reach out to your pediatrician to be certain that your baby isn’t constipated.
Coughing at 1 Year
It is not unusual for babies at this age to call from time to time. This is not necessarily a cause for concern; however, you do need to notice patterns if they start to increase in regularity. For example, if you noticed that your child is coughing a lot after eating or drinking, there could be a chance that your child is developing acid reflux. If you notice that your child appears to be coughing a lot while also running a fever, then this could be a sign of a viral infection. In either case, if you have concerns about a cough that your child is experiencing, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician.
Sleep Schedule at 1 Year
At this age, your child should generally be sleeping through the night. The average 12-month-old should be sleeping for approximately 11 hours every evening. Many babies at this age still take two naps during the day, adding up to an extra 3 to 4 hours of sleep.
Emotional Milestones at 1 Year
By the age of one year, your child will have passed lot of emotional milestones. For example, you may have noticed that your baby seems to have an easier time interacting with you, and they have an easier time recognizing familiar faces and voices. Even though your baby might not be stringing words together just yet, it is important for you to communicate with your baby regularly so that they continue to develop those important language skills. You should also read to your child regularly.
You may also notice that your baby expresses frustration, and other complex emotions from time to time. Kids at this age are very curious, and you need to make sure you protect them from harmful objects around the house. Even though your baby may express some frustration when you put up boundaries or take dangerous things away from them, they are an important part of the overall emotional development of your child.
Have Questions, or Need an Appointment for Your Baby? Contact North Texas Medical Center Today!
Ultimately, it is important for you to make sure that your child is developing appropriately. If you have questions or concerns about your child, or if you would like to make an appointment with a qualified pediatrician, then please do not hesitate to contact us at North Texas Medical Center. We will work with you personally, making sure that all of the individual health care needs of your child have been met. Contact us today to make an appointment with a member of our team!
