Watching your infant grow into a toddler is such an exciting time. From first rolling over to crawling, walking and beginning to talk, there will never be more firsts! But, while this an exciting time there are also many new concerns to encounter. These concerns include: change of nutrition, home safety, immunizations. I will take a look at each of these areas and give a brief description. This should not be taken as medical advice, and you should consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

NUTRITION

Family meals are important for your baby. Let them eat with you. Watching you eat and your mannerisms will help them to learn. Don't make eating a battle. Let them feed themselves. Most children can use a spoon and drink from a cup now.

SAFETY TIPS

• Avoid Choking and Suffocation
• Keep plastic bags, balloons, and small hard objects out of reach.
• Cut foods into small pieces.
• store toys in a chest without a dropping lid.
• Prevent Fires and Burns
• Deep hot appliances and cords out of reach.
• Don't cook with your child at your feet.
• Keep hot foods and liquids out of reach.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach
• Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees F (50 degrees C).
• Prevent Drowning
• Always watch your child when they are around any water, this includes toilets, buckets and pools. Keep toilet seats down and store buckets upside down.
• Never, Ever leave an infant or toddler in the bathtub alone!!!
• Poisons
• Keep all medicines, vitamins, cleaning products, etc. locked away.
• Put the poison control number on all of your phones.
• Purchase all of your medicines in containers with safety lids.
• Do not store poisons in drink bottles, glasses, or jars.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Your baby may run a fever and be irritable for about a day or so after the shots. Your baby may also have some soreness, redness, and swelling in the area where the shots were given. Many doctors advise parents to give acetaminophen drops before the shot to help to prevent fever and irritability. Consult your doctor before giving your child any medicine before their immunization shot. For swelling or soreness, put a wet, warm washcloth on the area of the shots as often and as long as needed for comfort.

Call your child's doctor if you have any questions or concerns following an immunization.

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About the author :: Rebecca Olsen is a stay at home mom that recently became a work at home mom with MomsExpo. She is married to Angelo, and the mom of Jason.  She currently administrates and runs the MomsExpo Message Boards, and is the website administrator to DirectSales.ws and WAHMNetwork.com.  She has just recently become a freelance writer for MomsExpo as well!