IMMUNIZATIONS:  Dtap, HIB and MMR (if not given ProQuad at 12 months)

At 15 months, most children are walking alone and finding things that have been lost for years.  They can also crawl up steps, point to some body parts, make gestures and follow simple commands if they have a mind to.

Feeding your child may now be difficult.  He/she has definite likes and dislikes that can vary, even on a daily basis.  Don’t get upset or frustrated.  It is best to offer the foods and have the child sit through 5 to 10 minutes of the meal.  If snacks are offered, they will learn to eat between meals rather than at mealtime.  Desserts may be offered occasionally as a special treat, but should not be used as the meal itself.  It is the rare child who will starve himself.  If your child eats one good meal a day and one great meal a week, he/she is feeding well.

Your child should be off the bottle now.

Around this age, children may wake up from dreams and nightmares.  If this happens, console him/her for a few minutes, then leave.  Do not change, feed or lay down with him/her or your child will learn to expect this.   Place him/her in bed, but then leave again. 

Make your house a safe house.  Stairs should be blocked off if your child cannot safely go up and down steps.  Electrical sockets should be covered and electrical cords kept hidden, out of the child’s reach.  Bathroom and kitchen cupboards should have safety latches installed.  Dangerous items should be stored out of reach from your child as well as safety latched.  The temperature of your water heater should be set around 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

As your child becomes more independent, care must be taken to protect him/her from the street.
 

PREVENTION STRATEGIES FOR INJURIES - 15 MONTHS

CHOCKING/ASPIRATION/SUFFOCATION

1.   Learn what to do when a child chokes.

2.   Allow no cords near crib or within baby’s reach

3.   Keep plastic bags, balloons and baby powders out of reach

4.   Keep all small, hard objects out of reach

5.   use only unbreakable toys without sharp edges or small parts that can come loose  - remind siblings to keep their toys away from baby

6.   Avoid foods on which child chokes easily (hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, gum and hard fruits and vegetables)

7.   Cut food into small pieces

8.   Store toys in a chest without a dropping lid

FIRES AND BURNS

1.   Never eat, drink or carry anything hot near or while holding a baby or child

2.   Turn down water heater so that hot water is no more than 120 degrees

3.   Develop and practice a fire escape plan

4.   Install and maintain smoke detectors

5.   Keep a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen

6.   Treat a burn immediately with cold water, and then call your doctor

7.   Check formula, food and drink temperature carefully

8.   Don’t smoke near the baby

9.   Keep hot food and liquids out of reach

10.  Put shock stops in unused electrical outlets; put cords out of reach

11.  Keep hot appliances and cords out of reach

12.  Keep all electrical appliances out of the bathroom

13.  Don’t cook with child at feet, use playpen, highchair or crib as a safety area for small child

14.  Provide nonflammable barriers around hot home heating surfaces and fireplace

15.  Insulate junctions of extension cords with electrical tape

16.  Use back burners on stove with pan handles out of reach

17.  Do not store items that attract a child above the stove

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS

1.      Never leave a child unattended in a car

2.      Parents should wear their seat belts

3.      Be prepared to switch to toddler car seat position

FALLS

1.      Never step away when the baby is on a high surface

2.      Keep crib sides up

3.      Use playpen with sides locked in up position as an “island of safety”

4.      Avoid using walkers

5.      Install safety gates (NOT accordion style) to guard stairway

6.      Lock doors to dangerous areas like the basement and garage

7.      Check stability of drawers, tall furniture and lamps before child cruises; remove tablecloths

8.      Make sure windows above first floor are closed or have screens or guards that cannot be pushed out
 

ANIMAL BITES

1.      Don’t leave a child alone with pets
 

PEDESTRIAN/PEDAL CYCLE INJURIES

1.      Avoid carrying child as a passenger on adult’s bike except in special seat, Helmeted and off street

2.      Hold onto walking child around traffic

3.      Fence and/or supervise outside play area
 

DROWNING  

1.      Make sure that an adult bathes the baby

2.      Remain in the room during every second of a bath

3.      Provide unbreachable barrier around pool or spa

4.      Continuously supervise child around any water
 

INJURIES FROM FIREARMS

1.      Unload and lock away all firearms
 

POISONING

1.      Keep all medicines, vitamins, cleaning, plumbing, gardening, painting, refinishing and agricultural chemicals and supplies out of reach preferably locked away or dispose of after use

2.      Remove all poisonous plants from the home

3.      Install safety latches to prevent access to cabinets

4.      Put poison center number on all phones, call if child puts something in his mouth that may be poisonous

5.      Buy syrup of ipecac; use only if directed to do so

6.      Purchase all medicines in containers with safety caps

7.      Do not transfer toxic substances to drink bottles, glasses or jars

CUTS

1.      Remove (or pad) low furniture with sharp corners from child’s living area

2.      Keep sharp objects out of reach (safety latches or locks help to delay access)