Healthy Start, Grow Smart Healthy Start, Grow Smart

Your 12-Month -Old ur 12-Month -Old
Prepared b

U.S. Department of 

U.S. Department of 

U.S. Department of Health a

2002

Healthy 

Grow Sm

Your 12-Mon
Here’s What’s Inside

Let’s Celebrate!...........................................Breastfeeding.............................................Feeding......................................................Health and Safety.......................................What’s It Like To Be One Year Old?...........Baby Games and Activities.........................

Routines and Rituals..................................Safety First—at Every Age ........................

Developmental Stages...............................

Questions Parents Ask...............................

Early Intervention and Your Baby’s Develo

Guidance....................................................Parenting Styles.........................................Remember “HALT”.....................................

Getting Help...............................................Information Resources for Families..........

AcknowledgmentsThis publication was an initiative of Laura Bush as the First Lady of Texasand sponsored by the Texas Department of Health. President Bush and Mrs.Bush have asked that this series of booklets be revised and distributed bythe U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Education and theU.S. Department of Health and Human Services.We would like to thank the Texas Department of Health for their cooperation and assistance in bringing this publication to families across the

United States. In addition, we recognize the contributions that Susan H.Landry, Ph.D., Craig T. Ramey, Ph.D. and many other individuals made inthe development of this magazine.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 1 

Let’s Celebrate!

first. Lisette picks up a wooden block and does the same. For the next few minutes, twatching and copying each other. “Time to sing,” Alice announces. She placeveryone gathers around. “Happy birthday Then, clapping her hands, she begins singthe song ends, Alice places a cupcake on ther finger into the icing and scoops it into catches the action in a photograph.Your baby is now a year old! Whether or nrejoice. Your baby has grown and learned happens now? Read this issue to learn mo
Get some sunshine!

Take your child outdoors a few minutes to make vitamin D. The lack of this vitamto soften. This condition is known as riccrooked legs. Dark-skinned children need more sunshinbecause dark skin absorbs less sunlight.

Your dchild vbreastfensure vitami

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 2 Your 12-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 3 

BreastfeedingNursing is good for your toddler. If you are breastfeeding, continue as

long as you and your toddler enjoy it. Nursing has many benefits:

★ Breast milk provides nutrients your child needs.★ Breast milk helps protect against illness and allergies. If your child

does get sick, nursing can be a comfort. In case of an upset stomach,breast milk may be the only thing your child can keep down.

★ Nursing is soothing. As toddlers test their independence, they often feel

frustrated. Nursing can calm a fussy, tired child. It’s also restful for you.

★ Nursing saves time and money.

Some tips:

★ Give your child plenty of hugs and kisses. You are nursing less often

now. Hugs help make up for the loss of closeness. 

★ Recognize that some people will question nursing after age one. Be

ready with answers like: “My doctor endorses it.” “Some babies nurselonger than others.” “It’s a special time we both enjoy.” “Breast is best.”

★ Plan ahead. Nurse your child at home before going out. Bring along

crackers or other healthy foods to offer as a snack.

To learn more about breastfeeding, you may want to contact your localhealth department, WIC clinic, hospital, La Leche League or doctor. Youcan call La Leche League at 1-800-LALECHE or visit their Web site atwww.lalecheleague.org/.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 4 Your 12-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 5 

FeedingGiving up the bottleLearning to drink from a cup takes time.Start by substituting a cup for the bottleat one meal. Once your child has adjustedto that, do the same at another meal.Your child probably holds the bottleherself. Don’t let her walk around with it.This can turn into a habit. Sucking from abottle off and on all day can lead to many problems. It can result in toothdecay. Or the milk might spoil, making your child sick. She might depend too much on milk or juice and not get enough other foods.Your child may still want to be rocked with a bottle at bedtime. Try substituting water for milk. Then just offer a cup of water before rocking.Some tips for giving up the baby bottle

★ Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle. If your child must suck for

comfort, offer her a pacifier. Offer a “lovey,” such as a favorite stuffedtoy or a blanket.

★ Offer only milk, fruit juice or water in a cup to drink. Other drinks like

tea, punch and soda contain caffeine and sugar. These are not good forgrowing children.

★ Give your child plenty of hugs and kisses. By giving up the bottle, she

is giving up a warm, loving ritual.

Drinking cow’s milk After age one, children no longer need formmake sure it’s whole milk, not low-fat or skigrowth and energy. Serve whole milk until yIf you are worried that your child has a mabout other options to provide the calcium Expect a mess At this age, children love to experiment. Thjuice and smear pudding on their tray. At tfeed themselves. Milk will get spilled, and fAccept your child’s efforts. Gently confine chair. Drape a dishtowel under the child’s or an old shower curtain on the floor. ThiOther tips for mealtime 

★ Wash your child’s hands before eatin

around, she picks up germs everywhrub her hands together briskly. 

★ Use dishes that will lessen frustration

Shallow bowls and cups with broad bwith upturned rims will help keep fo

★ Serve small portions, just a spoonful 

her independence. Let her ask for mo

★ Watch for signs of fullness. If your ch

no longer eating it, it’s time to take i

★ Wash your child’s hands and face afte

needed.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 6 Your 12-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 7 

Health and SafetyVisit a dentistIt’s time for your baby’s first trip to the dentist. Call and make anappointment now. It is important to take care of any dental problemsearly, before they become serious. The dentist can easily check your baby’steeth while your baby sits on your lap. Your dentist can also give you tipson cleaning your baby’s teeth.Are you up to date on your baby’s vaccines?

Is your child up to date on her shots?Vaccines help protect against certaindiseases. Your doctor or clinic givesvaccines when you bring your child forregular checkups.Some vaccines are given in two or threedoses. Others are given in one dose.Most are given during the first year of achild’s life. Some require boosters later.

The timing is important. Vaccines protect children when they are most atrisk. The protection from some vaccines may last for years.When all children are vaccinated, diseases are less likely to break out inthe community. They cannot spread to other people. This makes life saferfor everyone. This means children won’t miss school, and parents won’tmiss work.By law, your child must be up to date on vaccines so she can enroll inchild care and public school.

Your baby’s shots up to nowDuring the first year, your child should hathese vaccines:

★ DTaP. This protects against three dise

● Diphtheria can clog the throat, m● Tetanus starts in a cut or wound. 

that stiffens the muscles. Another 

● Pertussis is whooping cough.

★ Polio. This disease can paralyze the w★ Hepatitis B. This disease inflames the 

some cases, it can result in death.

★ PCV. This vaccine protects against in

of bacteria. These infections can be iand brain. The infections of the lung(meningitis) can result in death.

★ Hib. This vaccine protects against bacte

More shots needed now or soonWhen your child is 12 to 18 months old, s

★ One more dose of all the vaccines ab

★ MMR. This protects against three dis

● Measles appears as a red rash. It c

for pneumonia and ear infections.

● Mumps cause throat glands to swe

and make men sterile.

● Rubella is a type of measles. Its m

It can cause a baby to be born def

★ Varicella. This vaccine protects again

known for its itchy sores.
Health and Safety continued...

Need to catch up and get shots for your baby?Your doctor or clinic keeps records of the shots your baby receives. A childwho has missed a dose needs to catch up as soon as possible. Take your child to your doctor or clinic for a 12-month checkup. A nursewill give your child any vaccines that are due. Vaccines can help yourchild—and the community—stay healthy. Vaccines are safeIn the early 1900s, childhood diseases were common. Babies died ofpneumonia. Schools closed because of measles epidemics. Children werekept from swimming for fear of catching polio.But today, thanks to vaccines, few children die of these illnesses. In fact,vaccines have nearly wiped out two diseases—smallpox and polio.Because many childhood diseases are uncommon, some parents thinktheir children don’t need vaccines. But if many children go withoutvaccines, doctors fear a return of the old diseases.Parents need to understand that vaccines are safe. Before a new vaccinecan be given, it goes through at least 10 years of testing. Testing is doneby labs and clinics under rules set by the federal government. Yet avaccine, like any medicine, may involve a risk of harm. But that risk isvery small. Taking that risk is better than having a disease.Get the facts. Talk to your doctor or clinic. Protect your children from disease.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 8 Your 12-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 9 

What’s It Like To Be O

★ I’ve tripled my birth weight and now ★ I am 26 to 30 inches tall.★ I’m learning to walk, but I still crawl ★ I can climb out of my crib. ★ I can understand many words and lik★ I can take lids off containers and ope★ I like to imitate familiar sounds and 

understand.

★ I can solve simple problems like find★ I have lots of energy and am always o★ I like to push or pull toys when I pra★ I insist on holding a spoon when I ea

have lots of spills.

★ I like to look at pictures in books an★ I can play by myself for a little while ★ I may fuss if things don’t go my way 
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 10 Your 12-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 11 

Baby Games and ActivitiesToys for every childWhen you’re choosing toys for your baby,consider cost and safety. Toys need to besturdy. They should have smooth edgesand not break, splinter or crack. Makesure the toys can be cleaned easily. Testall toys regularly to make sure there areno loose parts.All babies explore with their mouths. Makesure toys are safe for mouthing. Avoid playmaterials that are made of foam. Your babycould bite off a piece and choke.Use these guidelines when you’re choosing toys for your baby.

★ The toy is interesting to explore and manipulate.★ The toy is not a choking hazard.★ The toy matches the child’s physical abilities.★ The toy challenges but does not frustrate.★ The toy is well-constructed and durable.

Great toys for babiesGreat toys can help your baby grow and learn. Most are inexpensive. Manycan be hand made. Remember to check the toys often for safety.

★ Books—Buy plastic or cardboard picture books. Get books with

pictures of common objects.

★ Dolls—Offer soft, simple dolls with p★ Stuffed animals—Provide soft, plush a★ Transportation toys—Buy sturdy, one

your baby can carry and roll.

★ Grasping toys—Offer toys that have i

explore. Examples include plastic linshape sorters.

★ Sand and water toys—Offer unbreaka

funnels and strainers.

★ Construction toys—Buy

sturdy wooden blocks. Offer afew at a time for your baby tostack. She will build withthem when she’s older.

★ Puzzles—Buy simple wooden

inset puzzles with two to fourpieces.

★ Mirrors—Share unbreakable hand m

wall where your baby crawls.

★ Nesting and building toys—Buy or g

sizes that “nest” inside each other. Tustacked on top of each other.

★ Balls—Buy a variety of sizes and text★ Art and craft materials—Offer a few l

to hold paper in place.

★ Musical instruments—Buy or make s★ Audio materials—Buy or borrow reco

and rhythms.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 12 Your 12-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 13 

When is a child ready? Your child is ready to learn to use the toilPhysical ability

★ is able to walk.★ has a larger bladder, so she urinates ★ wakes up from a nap with a dry diape★ can control the muscles that hold an

movements.

★ can take underwear off and put it bac

Mental ability

★ understands the body’s signals for ne★ understands words such as “pee-pee,★ understands what is expected: when 

to do it.

Social and emotional ability

★ can express her needs, like telling yo

changed.

★ wants to learn to use the toilet.

When all these abilities are in place, your easily. A child who is not ready may resist become frustrated. Don’t force it!

Routines and RitualsLearning to use the toiletAfter 12 months of dealing with diapers, parents may want a change.Parents often say, “I’ll be so glad when she can use the toilet!”The key is not when you are ready, but when your child is ready.Problems with getting children out of diapers almost always come fromtrying too soon. Typically, girls are ready before boys. Some children are ready around age18 months, while others are not ready until age three. 
Routines and Rituals continued...

Helping your child learn Later, when your child is ready to use the toilet, you can make learningeasier. Some tips:

★ Talk with your caregiver. Parents and caregivers should agree on

when a child is ready and what she should be able to do. 

★ Always supervise your child as she learns to use the toilet. Make sure

your child can easily get to the toilet. Put a potty chair in thebathroom or place a sturdy step stool by the toilet. Place toilet paperwithin easy reach.

★ Dress the child in clothing that is easy to take off. These might

include a dress, a skirt or pants with an elastic waist.

★ Use cloth training pants. Your child will think that disposable paper

training pants are the same as diapers.

★ Help your child overcome any fear of the toilet. The deep hole and

loud flushing noise can seem scary.

★ Watch for signs that a child may need to go. This might include a

frown or action such as holding her crotch.

★ When the child urinates or has a bowel movement in the toilet, say,

“That’s good.” Avoid making too much of it. Children need to learn touse the toilet for themselves, not to satisfy you.

★ Never scold or shame a child for an accident. These are natural body

functions, and children easily forget and get distracted.

★ If a child has lots of accidents, go back to diapers for a while. Try

again when the child seems ready. 

★ Go slowly. Learning these skills takes time.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 14 Your 12-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 15 

Safety First—at Every Always remember: 

★ Buckle your baby into a car

safety seat before you startthe car. Keep the seat facingbackward until your baby isone year old and weighs atleast 20 pounds. The backseat is the safest place forbabies and children.

★ Stay with your baby when she is play

your baby alone in a bath or a pool. Binches of water.

★ Keep your baby away from things tha

drink, smoke or carry anything hot w

★ Put your baby to sleep on her back un

do otherwise. Insist that others who c

★ Serve healthy foods. Avoid sweetened★ Lock up guns, alcohol, drugs and che

solutions. These can kill your baby. 

★ Watch for choking hazards like small 

grapes and nuts.

★ Put away knives, matches and other it

Put them in a place your exploring ba

★ Never, ever shake your baby.
People used to think that being left-hande

doesn’t matter which hand a person uses. determines which hand a person prefers. Ihand, let her. With your support, she will child when she feeds herself, plays with toPhysical developmentBuilding life skillsLife skills are tasks that children learn. Ththemselves. Examples of life skills are eatiskills let children become more independeYou can practice life skills throughout the your baby to feed herself with a spoon or wfrom a cup. Encourage independent tooth second brush to hold while you clean her to make hand washing easier. Let her help with dressing and undressing. pants or take off her own socks and shoes. Ltoo. Talk about putting toys back on a storaDon’t expect your baby to master these skher pants on backward. She will probably wants to do things for herself but will get skills takes practice. Offer your support anlearning skills that will last a lifetime.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 16 Your 12-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 17 

Developmental StagesCognitive developmentThe one-year-old problem solver Your baby’s brain is developing. Shecan now solve simple problems.This is an important new skill. Forexample, when your baby holds amechanical toy out to you and says,“Huh,” her brain is working hard.She knows that the toy will work ifsomeone turns the key. She knows that she can’t turn the key. So shehands the toy to you. You can turn the key and make the toy work. She issolving a problem.Your baby solves problems when she pulls a string to move a toy closer.She learns by trial and error that hammering on a pot makes more noisethan pounding on the floor. Babies use problem-solving skills to stack boxes, pull off shoes and socksor push chairs to use for climbing. Babies might work for several minutesopening a container that holds cereal for a snack. Your baby needs your approval when she masters a task. Clap andencourage her. She will be more likely to try to solve new problems and todevelop new brain skills.Which hand?Your baby probably prefers to use either her left hand or her right handfor most tasks. You might notice, for example, that she prefers to hold aspoon with her right hand. She picks up toys with her right hand. And sheusually turns the pages of a book with her right hand.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 18 Your 12-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 19 

Developmental Stages continued...Social and emotional developmentLearning through playYour baby tries to play with everything. Andeverything she plays with teaches hersomething new. She learns from toys, booksand household items. She also learns frominteractions with people.If your baby has older brothers and sisters,she will watch to see how they play withtoys. Your baby will want to play the sameway. She imitates and copies what otherpeople do.If your baby is with another child of the same age, she will watch the otherchild. Sometimes she will copy that child’s play. The children may play sideby side. But they probably won’t interact except to mimic one another.Your baby will learn most from her interactions with you. Your patience andsupport will teach her independence. Your encouragement will help her learnthat she is unique and has special skills. Your guidance and consistency willhelp her feel safe. In return, she will share her learning and success.

Language developmentWorking on wordsYour 12-month-old is probably working hshows that she understands many words eThis is called receptive language. For examyou a toy or point to a picture in a book, sContinue to go slowly with requests. BreaYour baby will be able to follow simple reqlooking at a picture book, don’t say, “Whesay things like, “Point to the cow.” “Show chicken?” Give your baby time to think anthe next animal.Expressive language—saying words—is devconversation-like noises, following your spewords clearly. She will point and gesture to doesn’t pronounce well. Clearly say the worto imitate you. In time, her speech will becRemember your baby is working on many example, she may be putting a lot of energlanguage development may slow down for used to a new child-care center. If so, her pUsually, with your support, all areas of deveif you become worried that her developmen
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 21 

Early Intervention anDeveloping SkillsChildren learn skills as they grow. These schild learns skills at her own pace. You caWatch when she starts to crawl, walk, talk If you are concerned that your baby is leayour doctor. You can also call 1-800-695-0is free. When you call, you will be told how program in your state. Staff at your state’s assist you in finding help in your area.What is an early intervention progAn early intervention program helps childintervention staff can help your baby learn grasp toys.They also help children who are having pand talking. How does an early intervention prIt can help your child with needed servicesupport group. Your family and early intervention staff caThese services teach basic skills and can bchild care. 

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 20 Your 12-Month -Old

Questions Parents AskQuestionWhat are the best shoes for my baby?She is just beginning to walk.AnswerMany experts suggest that the best shoe is the bare foot. Unfortunately, that is not practical. Children need shoes for protection and warmth. Usethese guidelines when shopping for shoes for your young toddler: 

★ Make sure the shoe fits. A shoe that is too large will make your child

trip and fall. A shoe that is too small will cause sores and be painful to wear.

★ Get help checking the fit. Test the length and width of your baby’s foot

while your baby is standing.

★ Buy shoes that protect the feet. The shoes don’t need special features

like wedges, inserts, high tops or arches unless your baby’s doctorrecommends them.

★ Buy lightweight shoes with flexible, nonslip soles. These features will

make it easier for your baby to learn to walk.

★ Don’t shop when your baby is tired or hungry. Bring along a favorite

toy or book and a snack in case you have to wait for sales help.

★ Compare prices and look for the best value. Your baby will probably

outgrow her shoes several times a year. Check the fit regularly. Don’tbuy ahead. Avoid hand-me-down shoes.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 23 

TV time?Your baby is too active to watch TV now. Sthe real world: kitchen spoons, blades of gattention span is too short to sit still and means that she won’t be interested in videWhen you watch TV, watching it takes timto enjoy a show and care for your baby at your TV watching until she naps or goes twatching TV, read a book to her.Sing a song or dance to music. Play a gamoatmeal box.” These activities help develosocial skills. They help her feel loved and If you watch TV while your baby sleeps, tuher room. You don’t want her to think shAvoid having the TV on all day as backgrobe less interesting to explore. Limiting TV Later, when she’s in school, your child wilhomework.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 22 Your 12-Month -Old

GuidanceSetting limitsThere are two main reasonsfor parents to make rules fortheir children. The first is tokeep children safe. Thesecond is to help childrenlearn self-control. Your baby needs to know that she can depend on you to set limits for safetyand guidance. Use these guidelines when you set limits for your baby:

★ Make rules that develop the self-esteem and dignity of your baby. Don’t

have rules that make her feel bad about herself. For example, whenshe’s trying to say a new word and mispronounces it, say the wordcorrectly. Don’t scold, mock, or repeat the “baby” word.

★ Make rules that are clear to your baby. Your baby needs to be told the

rule, again and again. For example, you don’t want your baby to pullyour hair. If she pulls it again after you told her that it hurts, simplyput her down. Say, “I can’t hold you when you pull my hair. I won’t letyou hurt me.”

★ Make rules that you can enforce. Avoid threats like “If you splash, I’ll

never let you play in water again.” Instead, state clearly that you expectthe water to stay in the sink while your baby pours from cup to cup. Ifshe splashes the water, restate the rule and tell her that her water playis over for the day.

★ Enforce rules consistently. Your baby needs to learn that rules are

important to her safety and that they don’t change from day to day.For example, you have a rule that your baby always rides in a car safetyseat. This rule should be the same in all cars, no matter who isdriving. If you bend the rule once, she will test it again and again.

★ Childproof your home so it is a safe place for your baby to play and

explore. You’ll spend less time making and enforcing rules.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 25 

Children with authoritarian parents usualthemselves and understand why the parenPermissivePermissive parents give up most control tfew, if any, rules, and the rules that they menforced. They don’t want to be tied down children to feel free. They do not set clear their children’s behavior and tend to accephowever the child behaves. Permissive parents give children as many the child is not capable of making good chchild’s behavior, good or bad, and make no beneficial or not. They may feel unable to choose not to get involved. Democratic or authoritativeDemocratic parents help children learn to and to think about the consequences of thproviding clear, reasonable expectations fofor why they expect their children to behamonitor their children’s behavior to make rules and expectations. They do this in a woften, “try to catch their children being gobehavior, rather than focusing on the bad

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 24 Your 12-Month -Old

Parenting StylesFind your style of parentingThere are many ideas about how to rearchildren. Some parents adopt the ideastheir own parents used. Others get advicefrom friends. Some read books aboutparenting. Others take classes offered inthe community. No one has all theanswers. However, psychologists andother social scientists now know whatparenting practices are most effective andare more likely to lead to positiveoutcomes for children.Ideas about child rearing can be grouped into three styles. These aredifferent ways of deciding who is responsible for what in a family.AuthoritarianAuthoritarian parents always try to be in control and exert their control onthe children. These parents set strict rules to try to keep order, and theyusually do this without much expression of warmth and affection. Theyattempt to set strict standards of conduct and are usually very critical ofchildren for not meeting those standards. They tell children what to do,they try to make them obey and they usually do not provide children withchoices or options. Authoritarian parents don’t explain why they want their children to dothings. If a child questions a rule or command, the parent might answer,“Because I said so.” Parents tend to focus on bad behavior, rather thanpositive behavior, and children are scolded or punished, often harshly, fornot following the rules. 
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 27 

Parenting tips 

★ Treat your child with respect. Talk to 

Avoid nagging, yelling and hitting. If take her home. Avoid humiliating heNext time, plan the outing after she 

★ Be consistent. Don’t be permissive on

Make sure rules apply to everyone, evwhen you’re sure you can keep them

★ As parents, consult with each other a

that your child will not try to “play o

★ Encourage your child. Help build con

it.” Tell her, “You worked really hard compare one child to another.

★ Express love. Say the words: “I love y★ Take time for fun. Do things you bot

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 26 Your 12-Month -Old

Parenting Styles continued...For example, a child who leaves her toys on a staircase may be told not todo this because, “Someone could trip on them and get hurt and the toymight be damaged.” As children mature, parents involve children in makingrules and doing chores: “Who will mop the kitchen floor, and who will carryout the trash?”Parents who have a democratic stylegive choices based on a child’s ability.For a toddler, the choice may be “redshirt or striped shirt?” For an olderchild, the choice might be “apple,orange or banana?” Parents guidechildren’s behavior by teaching, notpunishing. “You threw your truck atMindy. That hurt her. We’re puttingyour truck away until you can playwith it safely.”Which is your style?Maybe you are somewhere in between. Think about what you want yourchildren to learn. Research on children’s development shows that the mostpositive outcomes for children occur when parents use democratic styles.Children with permissive parents tend to be aggressive and act out, whilechildren with authoritarian parents tend to be compliant and submissiveand have low self-esteem.No parenting style will work unless you build a loving bond with your child. 
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 28 Your 12-Month -Old Healthy Start, Grow Smart 29 

Remember “HALT”Feeling mad or cranky? Afraid you might hurt your baby or do

something rash? Whenever you feel out of sorts, think, “HALT.”

★ Hungry - Have you missed breakfast? Is it mealtime, but you’re

running late? Stop what you’re doing. Eat something—an apple, asandwich or the meal you have prepared.

★ Angry - Are you angry about something? Stop what you’re doing.

Think back to what made you angry. Maybe the car broke down. Maybesomeone hurt your feelings. Accept your angry feelings, but don’t actthem out. Count to 10. Take a few deep breaths. Your angry feelingswill pass, and things will get better.

★ Lonely - Are you lonely? Do you feel you spend all your time with your

baby and few grown-ups? Stop what you’re doing. Call a friend. Takeyour baby and visit a neighbor. Be with people who care about you.

★ Tired - Are you tired? Maybe you didn’t sleep well last night. Maybe

you have worked hard all day. Stop what you’re doing. Put your babyin the crib or another safe place. Sit with your feet up and relax for afew minutes. Or forget about chores and go to bed early.

Thinking “HALT” can often pinpoint what’s wrong. It can prevent you fromdoing something you will regret later. It reminds you to take care ofyourself and do what is best for your baby.

Getting HelpHiring a baby-sitterBaby-sitting isn’t for everyone. Baby-sittehappy while you are away for a short timewill keep your baby safe and help your bab

★ Ask for names and phone numbers o

people who have hired the baby-sittebefore. Call these people and ask whathey liked and didn’t like about thissitter.

★ Interview the baby-sitter. Look for

someone who is trustworthy, capableand comfortable with babies.

★ Have a trial run. Have the sitter care 

your baby while you are at home. Youcan watch the sitter with your baby.

★ Describe your routines. Give the sitt

habits and preferences for eating, dia

★ Give clear instructions. Make sure th

emergencies.

★ Tell the sitter how you can be reache

phone number of a friend or relative 

★ Write down the phone number of the 

★ Give a tour of your house. Let the sit★ Let the sitter know when you’ll be ho★ Make sure the baby-sitter understand
Healthy Start, Grow Smart 30 Your 12-Month -Old

Information Resources for FamiliesFamilies who are enrolled in the WIC program (Special SupplementalNutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) can get informationon breastfeeding, formula feeding and nutrition at their local WIC office.Families eligible for WIC receive nutrition counseling and supplementalfoods such as baby formula, milk and cereal. To find the WIC office nearestyou, call your state health department or visit the WIC Web site atwww.fns.usda.gov/wic/. Many public libraries offer free access to theInternet and provide help for first-time users.For information about early childhood education initiatives, you maycontact the U.S. Department of Education at 1-800-USA-LEARN or visit theWeb site at www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/teachingouryoungest/.To learn about child care options, you may contact the U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services, Child Care Aware by phone at 1-800-424-2246or visit their Web site at www.childcareaware.org/.For more information and resources on postpartum depression, breastfeeding and many other women’s health issues call The NationalWomen’s Health Information Center (NWHIC) at 1-800-994-9662 (1-800-994-WOMAN). You can visit their Web site at www.4woman.org/.To learn more about breastfeeding, you may call La Leche League at 1-800-LALECHE or visit their Web site at www.lalecheleague.org/.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart 31 

To learn more about free or low-cost healtcall the U.S. Department of Health and Huprogram at 1-877-KIDSNOW. You can also www.insurekidsnow.gov/.The American Association of Poison Contrcontrol hotline, 1-800-222-1222, should bnumbers. To learn more, you can visit the www.aapcc.org/.Families who cannot afford a car safety seHighway Traffic Safety Administration. Thresources that help low-income families pYou may call them at 1-800-424-9393 or vwww.nhtsa.dot.gov/.To learn more about safety, you can call thCommission at 1-800-638-2772 or you can www.cpsc.gov/.For information on disabilities and disabilyou can call the National Information CenDisabilities (NICHCY) at 1-800-695-0285 owww.nichcy.org/.For information about programs that teacAmerica’s Literacy Directory at 1-800-228www.literacydirectory.org/.
This pamphlet is distributed by the U.S. D

Education and Health and Human ServiceAuthorization to reproduce it in whole or permission to reprint this publication is nbe: U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. DDepartment of Health and Human ServiceYour 12-Month-Old, Washington, D.C., 20To order copies of this publication,

write to: ED Pubs, Education Publications Education, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 207or fax your request to: 301-470-1244;or e-mail your request to: edpubs@inet.edor call in your request toll-free: 1-877-43If 877 service is not yet available in your (1-800-USA-LEARN). Those who use a tethe deaf (TDD) or a teletypewriter (TTY), or order online at: www.ed.gov/pubs/edpuThis publication is available to download oWeb site at: www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/earlalso be available in Spanish on the DepartJanuary 2003.On request, this publication is available in Braille, large print, audiotape or computeplease contact the Department’s Alternate (202) 205-8113.