At 14 months, what should I expect of my child?

Question

At 14 months, what should i expect from my daughter? She doesn't walk yet and only has two teeth? Should I be concerned? What are some ways to teach them wrong and right? What foods should they be eating? Only serious answers please!

Answer 1

Between the ages of 12 and 18 months come lots of developmental firsts. For some, it is first words or first steps, while for just about all toddlers, it includes first efforts at independence. This period is marked by curiosity about the nature of people and things. The developmental milestones typically reached at this age allow children to start placing things, people, and actions in categories. For example, when you say you're going to the store, your toddler is beginning to create a mental picture of the supermarket, and you in it.

MILESTONES
By 12 to 18 months, toddlers:
Walk. Some toddlers will already be walking by the time they turn a year, while others will take their time and wait several months to do so. Either way, just about all healthy toddlers are able to walk independently without difficulty by 18 months, may even be starting to run, and often find a new way to amuse themselves by walking backwards. While many can walk up stairs while holding onto their parents' hands, don't be fooled into thinking that they can do so safely without close supervision.

Improve their communication skills. By 12 to 15 months, the average child says two or more words besides "dada" and "mama." Some 18-month-olds will even begin to put two words together, although this is considered to be a two-year-old accomplishment. In addition to talking, most toddlers at this age can imitate animal sounds, recognize objects by name, and follow commands. You're likely to find that this newly developed ability to follow directions is particularly endearing when your toddler begins to give a hug or kiss when asked. While your toddler is probably making great strides in communicating at this age, it helps to be aware that being able to understand a lot more than one can say can also be a significant source of frustration for both toddlers and parents at this age.

Develop better fine motor skills and coordination. Most toddlers are quite content to scribble with crayon on paper (and anything else that happens to be in the vicinity), to stack blocks instead of just banging them together, and use utensils when eating. All these skills take practice, so be sure to give your toddler plenty of opportunity to do so, and don't expect perfection in the days or weeks to come.

Begin to explore independently. Being a 12- to 15-month-old typically involves beginning to venture out on one's own more. Toddlers at this age often feel comfortable exploring away from their parents when in familiar surroundings. That's not to say that some don't still show signs of stranger anxiety and a strong affinity for their parents, but rest assured that this phase of development will soon give way to more independent exploration in the months to come, if it hasn't already. As your toddler becomes more independent, don't be surprised if she also develops an attachment to a comfort object, something that gives her a constant sense of security.

Teeth. Getting your 12- to 18-month-old accustomed to brushing his teeth (and having you brush them as well) will help teach him good habits for the future. While toothpaste is not recommended for children this age because they inevitably swallow it, starting to take your child to see a dentist who is experienced in the care of children's teeth is definitely a good idea.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR
You should not hesitate to talk to your pediatrician about any concerns you may have, or if your toddler does not:

*Walk well by 15 months of age
*Say several words and follow simple commands
*Sleep through the night or take at least one nap a day

Answer 2

Wow you have got to be a new mom, congratulations on the little one!

"Now from a mans point of view"

Don't be overly concerned at all, but to give you a much simpler answer than all of the other ones, don't expect to much from a one year old! Yea you will experience a lot of different "first" things that you didn't expect your child to be able to do which is normal for parent and child.

Children do things when they get ready to, not because they are a certain age. The age range is to help the parent be aware of any developmental disabilities that might be present in the child. You cant teach "right and wrong" at this age, its more like "DO & DON'T"! Thats for their safety as well as other children around them. Feed your daughter whatever you eat, just in smaller bite sized portions. I hope this helps you get over the new mom anxiety you may be experiencing!

Good luck and Kiss the baby for all of us.

Answer 3

Major milestones


By now, your toddler may have mastered waving "bye-bye" and is probably able to roll a ball back and forth with an adult. About half the toddlers this age are drinking from a cup, and some are beginning to be interested in helping around the house. Your toddler may well be able to stand alone, can probably stoop down and then stand back up again, and might even be working on walking backwards. He may say several words and is learning more every day. He's also starting to have clear ideas about what he wants and will be persistent in trying to achieve them.


FUN TOGETHER-TIME ACTIVITIES

Spend some time snuggling. Sometimes all it will take to rejuvenate your soul is to spend some quiet cuddle time with your now constantly on-the-go little one. When you notice him slowing down for a moment or two, find a quiet corner where you can cuddle up with a good board book. Let him turn the pages and point out familiar shapes or images (the gray kitten, etc.). He'll enjoy showing off his newfound knowledge, and you'll enjoy a moment to reminisce about those first few weeks when you thought he'd never leave your arms.

Listen to music together. You have probably noticed by now that your little one responds to various kinds of music. As an infant, some music helped calm her, while other songs would make her more active. Now that she's older she'll be better able to express these emotions. Make music a part of your daily life. Turn on upbeat music during playtime. Dance with her and watch her smiles grow bigger and bigger! Vary your music selections so she's exposed to many types of tunes. Remember that music can have a very soothing, relaxing effect -- especially if it's a parent's gentle voice singing!

Answer 4

Children develop at different rates. You have no reason to be concerned. My eldest didn't walk until 16 months and I have heard of children not walking until 19 months. I use a website called Baby Center as a guide for milestones.

As for teaching them wrong and right consider a Sunday school class for her as she gets a little older. Consider the values you want her to learn, model them and be deliberate in your attempts to teach her what is right and socially acceptable.

As for foods the shortage of teeth may prove challenging. Pureed/ mashed foods might be best for now. All the best.

Answer 5

They all develop at different rates. Some kids walk early, others walk late. Some kids cut teeth really early, others are a little slower at it.

Doesn't mean anything at this age.

Expect her to be curious, and learn things through play, exploration, and trial and error.

Wrong and right? You can try teaching her what's dangerous (ie - stove is hot! ow! don't touch! or no hitting! no biting! if she does that), but don't expect her to get for a while.

She can eat pretty much anything right now that she can't choke on (small, bite sized pieces), with the exception of nuts and nut products, as those are supposed to be avoided until she's a bit older.

Answer 6

My daughters walked at 13 & 14 monthes.
Does she crawl? If not you should have her checked by a doctor.
Make sure she has space to get around.
My brother had 5 kids and they all were a year before they got any teeth.
She should be eating anything you eat that she can chew and it should be given to her in small pieces. She would probably enjoy feeding herself the small pieces.
The best was to teach right from wrong is by showing them, they will watch you and learn most by that.
If you have common sense that should be easy.

Answer 7

Every child is different. First of all, I am concerned by the fact that you are asking this question - are you taking your daughter in for regular check-ups? Your doctor will be keeping an eye on your child's development. Also, there are many, many books on the subject.

The same goes for your child's diet. Your doctor should be advising you on this subject, and again, you can also find this information in books.

Just speaking generally, I wouldn't think that it was odd for your child to not be walking and have only 2 teeth at this age. As far as teaching them right or wrong, I personally think that 14 months is too young for such volitional behavior. You need to remove hazards in her environment and watch her constantly for her safety, but discipline and punishment are best saved for around 2 years old. A child of just over a year does not understand, they are just a bundle of impulses. Believe me, she will get the idea when you keep removing her from things and taking them away from her and saying "NO!".

Please please please get your child into a doctor for regular check-ups! Good luck!

Answer 8

Feed her whatever you should be eating.

She doesnt have to be walking, 12 months is average, but some babies take longer.

Teach her no. My son is 9 months old and he's known what no means since he started crawling at 5 1/2 months. I just smacked his little hand or his leg and told him NO! whenever he did something wrong or dangerous. I have to remind him some times with a little smack, but he picked up on it REALLY fast. Now he knows that NO means NO.

Even very small babies understand cause and effect. They do something, something else happens. They also learn very quick how to ensure something good happening over something bad.

Answer 9

just go with the flow.They will know what to do just like you did and get some advise from a professional as to what to feed her. but it is hardly necessary unless she has a medical problem. my little munchkin granddaughter is 15 months and she can not talk but she understands everything . some are sooner some are later .

Answer 10

Have you talked to a doctor about this? I'm sure she is ok, maybe just taking longer to develop.