September 5th: Landen’s 1 year check-up

Landen’s 1 year check up went pretty well. Below are the highlights and things we’re going to watch until we see the doctor again at 15 months.

Table foods: At Landen's 9 month visit with Dr. Widelitz we discussed our concern that he was not putting anything into his mouth. We decided to see how things go and check in at 1 year. We told Babara today about how much trouble he's had with table foods and that he refuses to drink from a sippy or straw cup. We are suspecting that Landen may have an oral aversion and/or swallowing issue. While he is just now starting to eat some table foods, he still has a strong gag reflex and typical babies his age inhale pretty much anything you put in front of them (and refuse to eat purees). Barbara has referred us to the Stramski Developmental Center at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center for testing. If there is an issue, it's much better to identify it and get into the therapy early.

Water: Now that we're past the 1 year mark, it's ok to offer Landen water throughout the day if he's thirsty. This will be easier once we get him drinking out of an appropriate cup.

Milk: We've been given the go ahead to switch from formula to 2% milk. Apparently the recommendations have changed recently and whole milk is no longer the preference. However, I did a little reading a found that they recommend 2% milk for babies who are at risk for obesity or heart disease. I know how important the dietary fats are for brain development so I'm not totally comfortable with using 2% rather than whole milk. Barbara said he'd be fine either way. John and I will have to discuss which way we're going to go. She said we can try switching from formula "cold turkey" or do a gradual change. We'll have to give Landen a taste test and see how he does.

Toothpaste: There has been some articles with conflicting advice in regards to whether or not you should use fluoridated toothpaste for kids under 2. Barbara said that since he's getting fluoridated water, he should not need additional fluoride. She suggested maybe using the fluoridated toothpaste every other day and to make sure he doesn't ingest it. (FYI - Landen loves getting his teeth brushed. He thinks it's funny.)

Pain relievers: Due to Landen's large size, he has outgrown the weight recommendations on infant pain relievers. Children's pain reliever boxes say they are for ages 2 and up so we were not sure what to do. Barbara said to use the largest dosage for the infant medications and when we run out we can switch to the children's formula. She said to always go by weight, not age.

Vaccines: Today Landen received the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and chicken pox vaccines. He's also due for a flu shot but I didn't feel comfortable giving him the 2 big vaccines he got, PLUS a flu shot. I'm going to take him back on 9/19 to get his flu shot. He did really well with his shots and is currently "sleeping it off". We were told that he may have a low-grade fever and a rash in 5 to 12 days, but this is a totally normal reaction to the MMR shot.

This is the age when accidents are most likely to occur because most children are walking and getting into things, but do not understand danger.
Fearfulness of strangers or new situations is common at this age.
This is an age of self exploration, with your child seeing the world as revolving around himself. Temper tantrums are common in young toddlers when they don't get their way. These tantrums are best handled by not rewarding or giving excessive attention to your child at that time.
Talk to your toddler frequently and start reading picture books to him. This is the best way to help language development.
Toddler's love to perform. Give praise when it is appropriate but don't allow negative or unwanted behaviors to go unnoticed.
Use consistent, loving discipline. Use "yes" and "good" more often than "no" in teaching your child.
Follow through when you say "no" by taking an action that shows your child the meaning of the word. For example. say "no" in a firm voice when you see your child playing near a dangerous area but also pick him up and move him away.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012