Toddler separation anxiety
13th month
Unlike
when he was a baby, now your little one knows that when you leave, you always
come back. So why does your toddler cling to you every time you try to get
through the door? Although separation anxiety is not easy, it is completely
normal and should be gone by the time your child is two years old.
To
ease separation anxiety, make each separation smoother and less painful with
the following exit strategies:
- Whenever you need to leave, even for a few minutes, follow the same routine.
- Never sneak out - your little one will always worry about you disappearing again. Say goodbye every time.
- Ask a babysitter or nanny to distract your child while you go outside. Exit quickly to reduce the drama.
- When you get back, give your child a big hug so they know you love and miss them.
Your baby's development this month
Now
that your little one has reached his first birthday, he is more in control of
his world every day.
He’s
also learning that it’s fun to play:
- When he pushes a button on a toy, it makes a noise.
- When he speaks into a telephone, a voice responds.
- When he makes a funny face, others laugh.
Your
13-month-old is learning to:
- Play pretend games -- like feeding a doll or stuffed animal
- Mimic your actions
- Hide toys and then find them
Encourage
him to keep exploring and trying new things - under your supervision, of
course.
Tips for the 13th month
- Babies need fat in their diet. So fill about half of his diet with whole milk and other fats like nut butter, avocado and hummus.
- Give your child time every day to walk, run and climb to strengthen his muscles.
- Increase your child's vocabulary by reading, singing and talking to him every day.
- It's hard for babies to tell you when they're hurt or sick. Look for clues such as increased fussiness or pulling on an ear or limb.
- If your baby is still breastfeeding and you want to wean him, do it gradually. Skip one feeding at a time.
- When you need to give your child medicine, read the package carefully. Make sure the dose is appropriate for your baby's age and weight.
- Keep your child in a rear-facing car seat until they are 2 years old or until they reach the maximum height and weight of the seat.