image00115 months old babies is usually walking or could even be running. They can usually feed themselves with some skill and may be drinking out of a cup. Their lives are very exciting and they will use everything around them to learn. At this age, caregivers want to encourage their child with self-discovery and developing their senses by using playful games and learning techniques.

How Is Your 15 Month Old Baby Developing?

Development

Description

Body growth

Your child will develop at their own pace based on their genes, but you should check their weight to make sure they are absorbing the nutrients they need when they eat. Girls at this age are an average of 77.5 cm long and 9.4 kg. Boys average at 79.2 cm and 10.3 kg.

Physical development

By this age, most children are walking on their own. They should be able to take off pieces of clothing, mark a paper with crayons or pretend to do household chores like sweeping. They should also be able to recognize at least one of their own body parts.

Social development

Your child should enjoy moving around and socializing, though it is not uncommon for them to show some anti-social tendencies. They will likely treat their stuffed toys like their living companions, because they do not fully have the concept of differentiating objects from people.

Communication development

At 15 months your child should be able to say around 10 words, one of which is usually “no.” If they lack the words they need, they may point, gesture or grunt to get their point across. They should be able to follow a few commands when spoken.

How to Take Care of a 15 Month Old Baby

1. Feed Your Baby Properly

Keep trying to offer new foods. Your child’s taste is changing, so don’t give up if they do not want a particular food one week because they might like it later. If you eat a variety of foods, your child might mimic this more easily. Unprocessed foods including whole grains, fruits and vegetables are the best choices for providing good nutrition. Cut all foods into small pieces for safety.

2. Deal with Your Fussy Eater

It is very common for toddlers to be fussy eaters who want to eat the same thing at every meal. Try mixing foods like vegetables into their favorites so that they look the same. 15 month old baby will be suspicious of new textures or flavors, so if you keep offering different foods, they may grow used to them and eat them willingly so that they can learn to eat a variety and get the nutrition they require.

3. Understand Their Sleeping Patterns

Between 12-18 months children will start transitioning to only taking one nap a day. There will be an approximate 3 month window where your child will usually take 2 naps, but every once in a while will only need one. This nap will start out being about 2 hours at 11-11:30, but as you child consistently starts to miss their second nap they will start to nap later. They will usually take their nap around 2p.m. when they reach 24 months.

4. Pay Attention to Their Health

Over time your child will pick up illnesses, especially if they go to daycare where children stay in close contact. Work to boost your 15 month old baby’s immune system, wash their hands before eating and change towels frequently. Make sure their hands are dry after washing to avoid the spread of bacteria.

5. Keep Your Baby Safe

  • Make sure all choking hazards or cords, sharp or breakable objects cannot be reached.
  • Cover all electrical sockets.
  • Lock up all detergents and household cleaners or store them out of reach.
  • Keep the toilet seat down and the bathroom door closed.
  • Always secure your child in their car seat. You may need to distract them during this to make sure that they do not undo the buckle.

6. More Tips for Your 15 Month Old Baby

Whenever possible, stick to a regular routine during the day. This can be boring for you, but it offers a great deal of security to your child. Your child is very interested in the world around them, so work to interact with them, playing games, singing or reading to keep them engaged.

Encourage your child to get outside and use play equipment to get more exercise. This will also help them settle down at night. However, you will need to make sure your child is not getting too much sun exposure when staying outside. Protect your child from getting too much sun by:

  • Use a “broad spectrum” sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.
  • Cover your child using long pants, sleeves and wide-brim hats.
  • Stay out of the sun between 10a.m.-2p.m..