| Can you believe it has been a year already! By 9-12 | | | | to an object and squatting to pick it up and throw it |
| months your child is probably keeping you on your | | | | back. Rolling the ball is good for interaction and |
| toes by crawling, climbing, and walking. Your baby is | | | | promotes concentration. Little fun gyms for them |
| starting to do things on their own and may actually | | | | to climb on make a great outside toy and can even |
| verbally communicate to you what their needs are. | | | | accommodate younger siblings or playmates. A |
| They have their favorite toys by now and the best | | | | sandbox can keep your child busy for hours by |
| toys for these energetic months are toys that | | | | building mounds of sand or making molds. A |
| encourage discovery and movement. | | | | sandbox should be used under constant supervision |
| Toys that assist your baby in standing are great for | | | | because you do not want your little one eating sand |
| helping them to get on their feet and practice | | | | for snack! But don’t forget the must have |
| balancing and moving with the toy. Push toys have | | | | outside toy of all time is the swing. Babies of all |
| all kinds of functions and range from a push car to a | | | | ages will love swinging in the outdoors. |
| container that will pick up their toys. You may find | | | | There are some things we do as parents that can |
| that once they realize their new found freedom your | | | | accommodate any age and that is reading and talking |
| baby may start pushing everything that is moveable | | | | to your child. These are things that really help your |
| in the house. Tables, boxes, and even the family | | | | baby’s mind progress and can assist in a better |
| dog are no exception (poor doggy). As a parent, | | | | understating of their environment. Sometimes the |
| you need to be aware of potential harmful objects | | | | best way for babies to learn new things is to watch |
| that may fall and injure your baby if they are to push | | | | other people and children, because one year olds are |
| something and knock it down. You also need to | | | | great in mimicking behavior and movement. You |
| make sure that all push toys are sturdy enough and | | | | may find your baby pretending to talk on the phone |
| will not slip out from under your child. | | | | or cook in a pot or pan. An activity table is still a |
| Your child may be ready to explore the world of | | | | good choice in providing your child with different level |
| outside toys and is probably starting to realize how | | | | of toy in one area. Making it through the first year |
| much fun the great outdoors can be. Throwing balls | | | | seems like a whirlwind and a milestone for parents |
| with your child encourages them to practice walking | | | | but is worth every step. |