Infant Growth & Development: 15 to 18 Months

	Feed toddler whole milk until 2 years old. Let toddler feed self, using spoon and cup. Continue to offer a variety of nutritious foods and snacks. Toddlers are slow to try new foods and may need to touch, smell and taste new foods many times before eating. Parent/caregiver decides what, when and where toddler eats; toddler decides whether to eat and how much. Limit fats, salt and sweets. Include toddler with the family at dinner time. (back to top)
	Properly secure car seat (front facing) in back seat. Never leave a child alone in a car — not even for a minute. Consider swimming or water safety classes for toddler. Safety-proof home: Cover outlets; keep cords out of reach; and keep medicines, vitamins, cleaning products, bleaches, detergents and gasoline out of reach. Supervise all indoor and outdoor play. Do not give nuts, peanut butter, popcorn, hot dogs, celery or carrot sticks, whole grapes or raisins until age 3-4 years. Limit sun exposure. Use sun screen and a broad-brimmed hat. Turn handles of pots and pans toward back of stove and remove front burner knobs. Put crib mattress on lowest level so toddler cannot crawl out. Use safety gates at top/bottom of stairs. Be sure screens are secure on windows. (back to top)
	Walk without holding on Climb up stairs, jump in place; throw ball Point to body parts Imitate parents; love to set table and “help out” Stack blocks Kneel without support Understand simple instructions Use 6-20 words Please remember: All children grow and develop differently. Contact your health care provider if you have concerns about your infant. (back to top)
	Building blocks, wooden blocks, nesting toys Large crayons, water-based felt-tip pens, finger paints Picture books, toy telephone Push/pull toys such as toy vacuum and toy lawnmower Kickball Climbing Doing things with family (zoo, park, walks, etc.) (back to top)
	A well-child exam should be scheduled at 15-18 months of age. Encourage language development — read and talk with toddler. Allow toddler to brush teeth without toothpaste. Parents need to repeat brushing. A dentist or other health care provider should be consulted before introducing fluoride toothpaste. Teething: expect discomfort, chewing on fingers/toys with increased drooling; thumb sucking is common. Do not give any medications or herbal remedies without health care provider’s advice. Reinforce/reward good behavior. Praise more than criticize. Redirect attention when necessary or use time out (1 minute for each year of age). NEVER hit or spank. Continue to allow comforting objects such as a special toy, blanket, etc. Sleep problems common and probably related to separation fears. Continue bedtime routine. Develop bedtime rituals — same time, quiet activity. Toddlers will touch their own bodies — parents’ attitudes will influence the child’s attitude and should be accepting. Know CPR and first aid. (back to top)
	Learn ways to express anger appropriately. Know when and where to ask for help. Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength. Work together for consistency in discipline and setting limits on behavior. Show toddler, in a loving way, what is okay and what is not okay to do. Encourage family involvement in care of toddler. Try to spend individual time with each family member but take time for yourself too. Limit TV. Select programs carefully and watch with toddler. Recognize the need for older children to have time/toys/space of their own. If choosing child care, know and look for signs of high quality (www.qualistar.org). Visit child's child care often and at different times of the day. (back to top)
	NEVER shake a baby or young child. Asking for help when you are stressed is a sign of strength. Know when and where to call for support. All family members should use seatbelts. Keep a smoke free environment; never smoke in the home or car or allow anyone else to. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly; change batteries yearly. (back to top)