
Your baby may start showing their own personality at 12 months. They may show interest in the world around them.

Your baby may start to walk. They may point with fingers and look for hidden objects. And they may say "mama" or "dada."

Feeding your baby
- If you breastfeed, continue for as long as it works for you and your baby.
- Encourage your child to drink from a cup. Give them whole cow's milk, full-fat soy milk, or water.
- Let your child decide how much to eat.
- Offer healthy foods each day, including fruits and well-cooked vegetables.
- Cut or grind your child's food into small pieces.
- Make sure your child sits down to eat.
- Know which foods can cause choking, such as whole grapes and hot dogs.

Practicing healthy habits
- Brush your child's teeth every day. Use a tiny amount of toothpaste with fluoride.
- Put sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and a hat on your child before going outside.

Keeping your baby safe
- Don't leave your child alone around water, including pools, hot tubs, and bathtubs.
- Always use a rear-facing car seat. Install it in the back seat.
- Do not let your child play with toys that have small parts that can be removed and choked on.
- If your child can't breathe or cry, they may be choking. Call 911 right away.
- Keep cords out of your child's reach.
- Have child safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
- Save the number for Poison Control (1-800-222-1222).
- Keep guns away from children. If you have guns, lock them up unloaded. Lock ammunition away from guns.

Getting vaccines
- Make sure your baby gets all the recommended vaccines.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter J888 in the search box to learn more about "Child's Well Visit, 12 Months: Care Instructions".
Current as of: February 28, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board: All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.