Well-Child Checkup: 12 Months

At the 12-month checkup, the healthcare provider will examine the child and ask how things are going at home. This sheet describes some of what you can expect.

At this age, your toddler begins to pull up and “cruise.” Save shoes and socks for outside—bare feet are best indoors.

Development and Milestones

The healthcare provider will ask questions about your child. And he or she will observe your toddler to get an idea of the child’s development. By this visit, your child is likely doing some of the following:

• Pulling up to a standing position

• Moving around while holding on to the couch or other furniture (known as “cruising”)

• Taking steps independently

• Starting to understand what you’re saying

• Enjoying simple games like “Peek-a-Boo”

• Holding a cup or bottle without help

• Saying “Mama” and “Dada” (usually not to a specific person)

Feeding Tips

At 12 months, it’s normal for a child to eat 3 meals and a few snacks each day. If your child doesn’t want to eat, that’s okay. Provide food at mealtime, and your child will eat if and when he or she is hungry. Do not force the child to eat. To help your child eat well:

• Gradually give the child whole milk instead of feeding breast milk or formula. If you’re breastfeeding, continue or wean as you and your child are ready, but also start giving your child whole milk.

• Make solids your child’s main source of nutrients. Milk should be thought of as a beverage, not a full meal.

• Begin to replace a bottle with a sippy cup for all liquids. Plan to wean your child off the bottle by 15 months.

• Avoid foods your child might choke on. This is common with foods about the size and shape of the child’s throat. They include sections of hot dogs and sausages, hard candies, nuts, whole grapes, and raw vegetables. Ask the healthcare provider about other foods to avoid.

• Talk to the healthcare provider about giving your child fish, shellfish, nuts, peanut butter, strawberries, raspberries, or egg whites, especially if there is a family history of food allergies.

• At 12 months it’s okay to give your child honey.

• Ask the healthcare provider if your baby needs fluoride supplements.

Hygiene Tips

• If your child has teeth, brush them at least twice a day (such as after breakfast and before bed). Use water and a baby’s toothbrush with soft bristles.

• Ask the healthcare provider when your child should have his or her first dental visit.

Sleeping Tips

At this age, your child will likely nap around 1-3 hours each day, and sleep 10-12 hours at night. If your child sleeps more or less than this but seems healthy, it is not a concern. To help your child sleep:

• Get the child used to doing the same things each night before bed. Having a bedtime routine helps your child learn when it’s time to go to sleep. Try to stick to the same bedtime each night.

• Do not put your child to bed with any drink other than water.

• Make sure the crib mattress is on the lowest setting. This helps keep your child from pulling up and climbing or falling out of the crib. If your child is still able to climb out of the crib, use a crib tent, put the mattress on the floor, or switch to a taller bed.

• If getting the child to sleep through the night is a problem, ask the healthcare provider for tips.

Safety Tips

As your child becomes more mobile, active supervision is crucial. Always be aware of what your child is doing. An accident can happen in a split second. To keep your baby safe: 

• Childproof the house, if you haven’t already. If your toddler is pulling up on furniture or cruising (moving around while holding on to objects), be sure that big pieces such as cabinets and TVs are tied down or secured to the wall. Otherwise they may be pulled on top of the child. Move any items that might hurt the child out of his or her reach. Be aware of items like tablecloths or cords that the baby might pull on. Do a safety check of any area your baby spends time in.

• Protect your toddler from falls with sturdy screens on windows and gates at the tops and bottoms of staircases. Supervise the child on the stairs.

• Don’t let your baby get hold of anything small enough to choke on. This includes toys, solid foods, and items on the floor that the child may find while crawling or cruising. As a rule, an item small enough to fit inside a toilet paper tube can cause a child to choke.

• In the car, always put the child in a car seat in the back seat. If your child weighs less than 20 pounds, he or she should still face backward. In fact, it’s safest to face backward until age 2. Ask the healthcare provider if you have questions.

• At this age many children become curious around dogs, cats, and other animals. Teach your child to be gentle and cautious with animals. Always supervise the child around animals, even familiar family pets.

• Keep this Poison Control phone number in an easy-to-see place, such as on the refrigerator: 800-222-1222.

Vaccinations

Based on recommendations from the American Association of Pediatrics, at this visit your child may receive the following vaccinations:

• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis

• Haemophilus influenzae type b

• Hepatitis A

• Hepatitis B

• Influenza (flu)

• Measles, mumps, and rubella

• Pneumococcal

• Polio

• Varicella (chickenpox)

Next checkup at: _______________________________

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