Baby’s 12-month milestones: GP’s tips on what to ask your doctor

A child’s first birthday is a milestone for the whole family. You’re finally out of the newborn trenches, you’re (hopefully) getting a little more sleep, and your baby is officially a toddler.

This new stage is one of growing independence, big emotions and increasing curiosity. The 12-month mark is also a great time to book your child in for a health check-up. During this appointment, a GP or child health nurse will look at your child’s overall health and development and administer their 12-month vaccinations, which are now due.

Your GP will usually check your child’s weight, length and head circumference at this visit, as well as ask about their feeding, sleep and behaviour. Every child will have their own growth trajectory, but these markers can give your GP an indication of how your child is tracking, which can make it easier to catch and manage potential issues early. While it can be tempting to compare your child’s progress to others in your circle, try to remember that development and growth are unique to every kid.

With that in mind, the 12-month check presents an important opportunity for parents to raise any concerns they may have. Keep a list of anything you’d like to discuss with your GP and book in for a longer consult so you don’t feel rushed. Remember, no question is too silly. You should always feel heard and validated, because this is a busy, stressful and sometimes daunting chapter of life.

Toddlers on the move

As a GP, a few markers I’m looking to see at the 12-month mark are your child sitting up, cruising (holding onto furniture while trying to stand or walk), standing with an adult while holding their hands or, in some cases, walking independently.

We’d also like to see them grabbing lots of objects. Children at this age are exploring more through their senses, so you may notice them trying to put all kinds of items in their mouth or throw them to see what happens. That’s a good sign!

One-year-olds are also notoriously moody. One minute they’re playing happily and calmly, the next they’re having a complete meltdown, screaming, throwing their arms around or refusing food or sleep. This can be a completely normal phase of development, and temperament varies from one child to the next, but if you’re concerned, note it down to chat with your GP.

Another area to watch is socialisation. Although one-year-olds are not yet making formal friendships, they explore by watching other children play or playing near them. At 12 months, take note of whether your little one is interacting more with their family – babbling, laughing, smiling and chatting, even if their words are not yet clear.

Building healthy foundations

Another area I’ll ask about – or encourage parents to ask their GP about – is food. After 12 months, solid foods will ideally become your child’s main source of nutrition.

To reduce the risk of choking, it’s best to serve food soft, mashed or sliced into “fingers” that are easy to hold and chew. It also helps to prepare food at home as much as possible, keeping takeaway, highly processed and sugary foods to a minimum.

If you’re ever worried about your child’s intake, you can always discuss options with your GP. For instance, a powdered or ready-to-drink nutritional supplement or a toddler multivitamin might be worth considering to help fill nutritional gaps while navigating new foods.

Parents often receive lots of advice from friends, family and health professionals about what “normal” sleep looks like, but what normal sleep looks like for one child may not be the same for another. Each child has their own behaviours, sleep cycles and patterns, along with issues that might make sleep more difficult, such as reflux, colic and separation anxiety.

If you’re worried about your child’s sleep or think there could be an underlying medical cause, don’t be afraid to chat with your GP.

Don’t forget to look after yourself

One year in is a great opportunity to check in with yourself, as much as it is to check in on your baby. Your mental health is just as important as your child’s, and the two are often closely linked. Both mums and dads can experience postnatal depression, which can look like a persistent loss of joy in life, low mood, irritability, or feeling like you’re unable to cope. If these feelings hang around, please reach out for support or bring them up at the 12-month check.

As parents, we so often put ourselves last, but remember, taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to take care of your little one.

PediaSure can help fill nutritional gaps during phases of fussy eating, taking some of the pressure off. It’s one way to support their growth while you continue encouraging a wider range of foods. To find out more, visit www.pediasure.com.au.

Food for Special Medical Purposes. Use only under medical supervision.