12 Month Old

[debbiedoeszip]

I have a 12 month old starting at the beginning of October. Mom says that he is transitioning from 3 naps to 2 during the day. And that he still eats mainly pureed food as he gags on anything with lumps. I asked if he eats finger foods and named some (Cheerios, cheese cubes, toast) and mom says she gives him Cheerios.

My experience with 12 month olds are that they sometimes take two naps, often take one nap that begins mid/late morning, and are working towards just one pm nap. And that finger foods start at 9mo with a 12mo basically eating what adults eat so long as it's small enough not to choke on. Thoughts? Advice?

[Baby Beluga]

I know each child is different, but that was my experience too. Working in a young toddler room (12 months - 18 months) children were expected to take one nap a day, be off bottles and were solely on table food.

I have the same requirements here, on table food no bottles and one nap a day with the other children. I realize the one nap a day may take some adjustment so I am lenient on that.

[Blackcat31]

Yes, like Baby Beluga said, all kids are different but in my experience 12 month olds are transitioning to one nap a day and are practicing being ready for "big kid" foods.

The food program requires them to be served the same foods (differing portion sizes) as the older kids so when I have a baby in care, I start prepping them for the big kid menu from the time they are first sitting in the high chair.

I have a 6.5 month old right now that is slowly shortening the a.m. nap and stretching out the p.m. nap (heading towards one afternoon nap a day) and is starting to spend more time sitting upright and "playing" in the high chair with rice crisps and teething biscuits.

[debbiedoeszip]

Mom says that his morning nap starts at 9am, but that is when we walk to the park. I'm wondering if I can/should see if I can push nap forward an hour so that we can still get our park visit in. I'm planning on using a carrier or wrap for him (cheaper than buying a triple stroller) and if he falls asleep I'll just let him nap while I'm wearing/carrying him (he's a peanut, so it won't be too taxing).

And I'll introduce him to lots and lots of finger foods. Mom says that he gags on anything that isn't pureed, and I wonder if any time he gags she just goes back to purees (and no finger foods) instead of letting him, I don't know, desensitize?

[Pestle]

Do you have a trial period in your contract? This sounds like it's going to be stressful.

My former coworker's son only ate pureed foods until he was in day care and started getting jealous of the food his peers were eating.

[debbiedoeszip]

Do you have a trial period in your contract? This sounds like it's going to be stressful.

My former coworker's son only ate pureed foods until he was in day care and started getting jealous of the food his peers were eating.

I only do a verbal contract, though I do provide a handbook of information about our schedule and meals etc. I have only a few deal breakers so far. Very coarse language (f-word, etc) and aggression that I feel is outside of what is normal for the age. A child who naps "too frequently", or who has food texture issues, I would work with/around. I have a small group so this is doable.

[Blackcat31]

Mom says that his morning nap starts at 9am, but that is when we walk to the park. I'm wondering if I can/should see if I can push nap forward an hour so that we can still get our park visit in. I'm planning on using a carrier or wrap for him (cheaper than buying a triple stroller) and if he falls asleep I'll just let him nap while I'm wearing/carrying him (he's a peanut, so it won't be too taxing).

And I'll introduce him to lots and lots of finger foods. Mom says that he gags on anything that isn't pureed, and I wonder if any time he gags she just goes back to purees (and no finger foods) instead of letting him, I don't know, desensitize?

I bet you're totally right! I've seen parents give their kid a "handicap" that simply doesnt exist because they simply don't see their baby growing/changing or because they purposely don't want them to.

It's scarey when your baby gets hurt or takes part in risky behavior but it's something we have to do in their best interests. But as a parent, I get it.

In your shoes I'd just start getting baby on your schedule/routine on your time (including feeding) and not worry about mom's routines. He'll adjust. Babies are generally good like that if you get them early enough.

[Unregistered]

Was he a preemie?

[debbiedoeszip]

I bet you're totally right! I've seen parents give their kid a "handicap" that simply doesnt exist because they simply don't see their baby growing/changing or because they purposely don't want them to.

It's scarey when your baby gets hurt or takes part in risky behavior but it's something we have to do in their best interests. But as a parent, I get it.

In your shoes I'd just start getting baby on your schedule/routine on your time (including feeding) and not worry about mom's routines. He'll adjust. Babies are generally good like that if you get them early enough.

Yeah, I'll do that. Thanks!

[debbiedoeszip]

Was he a preemie?

I don't know. Probably not. Mom didn't mention if he was and I'm pretty sure that she would have.