Child’s Well Visit – 12 Months: Care Instructions

Your Care Instructions

At 12 months, your baby may begin to show more of their personality and display increased interest in the world around them.

At this stage, many children are ready to walk while holding onto furniture. Games like pat-a-cake and peekaboo are commonly enjoyed. Your baby may begin pointing with fingers, looking for hidden objects, saying one to three words, and attempting to feed themselves.

Follow-up care is an important part of your child’s health and safety. Be sure to attend all scheduled appointments, and contact your doctor if you have any concerns. It's also a good idea to stay informed about your child's test results and maintain a list of any medications your child takes.

How Can You Care for Your Child at Home?

Feeding

• Continue breastfeeding as long as it works for both you and your baby.
• You may now introduce whole cow’s milk or full-fat soy milk. Switch to nonfat or low-fat milk at age 2.
• Cut or mash foods into small, soft pieces that are easy to chew and swallow.
• Offer foods like soft-cooked vegetables, casseroles, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, yogurt, cheese, and rice.
• Allow your child to decide how much to eat. Avoid pressuring them.
• Encourage your child to drink from a cup. Limit juice to 4–6 ounces per day.
• Offer a variety of healthy foods daily, including:
  • Fruits and well-cooked vegetables
  • Low-sugar cereals
  • Yogurt and cheese
  • Whole-grain breads and crackers
  • Lean meats, fish, and tofu

Safety

• Water Safety: Always supervise your child near water. Use caution around pools, bathtubs, toilets, buckets, hot tubs, and lakes. Swimming pools should be enclosed with fencing on all sides and have a self-latching gate.
• Car Safety: Always secure your child in a properly installed car seat that meets current safety standards. For car seat guidance, contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236.
• Choking Prevention:
  • Do not allow your child to eat while walking or running. Ensure they are seated while eating.
  • Keep small objects (buttons, coins, marbles, balloons, etc.) and small toy parts out of reach.
  • Avoid giving choking hazard foods, such as:
    • Nuts
    • Whole grapes
    • Hard or sticky candies
    • Popcorn
• General Home Safety:
  • Keep electrical cords and drapery cords securely out of reach.
  • Do not use baby walkers, as they can tip over easily and cause serious injury.
  • Install sliding safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Avoid accordion-style gates; choose gates with openings no wider than 2 3/8 inches.
  • Keep the Poison Control Center phone number visible and accessible: 1-800-222-1222.
• Emergency Response: If your child cannot breathe or cry, they may be choking. Call 911 immediately and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

Immunizations

By 12 months, your child should have started the recommended vaccine series for illnesses such as whooping cough and diphtheria. Additional vaccines—such as measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox—may also be due. Ensure your child receives all routine childhood immunizations to protect their health and reduce the spread of disease.

When Should You Call for Help?

Contact your child’s doctor if:

• You are concerned your child is not growing or developing normally.
• You notice behavior changes or have concerns about behavior.
• You need more guidance on caring for your child, or have specific questions or concerns.