51 Week Old Baby Development

It's been a busy year for your baby! She's approximately 50 percent taller than she was at birth and has tripled her weight. The average 12-month-old (is there any such thing?) tips the scales at about 22 pounds and is about 30 inches in height. After this point her growth will drop off dramatically. And that's a good thing—if she kept shooting up at this rate, she'd weigh, well, a lot, by the time she turned 5!

By now she's probably pretty good at climbing up and down stairs, and she might be able to stand without having to pull up on something; she simply crouches in a cute little squat position and pushes herself up. Once she masters standing wobble-free, she'll begin to try squatting to pick things up, sticking her bottom out and very slowly bending down. Some kids this age are also able to take several steps on their own. It won't be long now until she's really walking, if she's not already.

Looking for some age-appropriate toys for your baby's first birthday? To your child, almost anything is a toy, so look beyond the plastic playthings and into the kitchen aisle, with its stacking measuring cups, noisy teaspoon sets, and long-handle spoons. The best toys teach babies about size, shape, and color, as well as big-picture concepts such as in-and out—and offer plenty of chances to practice hand-eye coordination and other important fine motor skills.

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Even if you were blessed with a kid willing to try anything at the dinner table, at 12 months your kiddo might have transformed into a picky eater who refuses anything except bananas and Goldfish crackers, or has no appetite at all for a day or so. How can she possibly be getting enough vitamins and minerals when all she ate for dinner was three peas? Don't try to force her to eat more than she really wants; you'll both end up frustrated. Just keep offering her balanced, healthy meals and snacks and a variety of foods, even if she doesn't end up touching them. Some kids don't eat much one day, then happily chow down the next, so overall, she might be getting a fine amount of nutrition. And if your child only eats fruit one day, then just make an effort to give her more whole grains and protein the next.

It's also normal if your baby seems to be losing weight these days, or at least isn't growing like a weed anymore. Your toddler's so busy exploring that she's burning a lot more calories each day. Also, growth in general slows down now at 1 year. Keep offering healthy meals and snacks—small and frequent is the key at this age—and plenty of fluids, and trust that her nutritional needs are being met.

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Throwing a fete for your child's first birthday? Don't let the day get too crazy. You want your baby to have fun and feel comfortable rather than overwhelmed, after all. Here's how to keep the little guest of honor happy:

• Keep the rest of the day mellow. If the party is in the afternoon, aim for a quiet morning (think coloring, reading books, or watching a video, as opposed to running around the playground). Your child is going to get enough stimulation later on—and if he's half burned out before guests even arrive, it's a recipe for meltdown.
• Let babies be babies. Put a bunch of toys in the middle of the room and let them have at it. There's no need for fancy games or activities. And keep the party confined to one main area. That way you can chat with other parents and keep tabs on the toddlers at the same time.
• Ask a friend or relative to take pics of important things—such as your child blowing out the candles, eating his cake (always hilarious!), or tearing into his presents. That way you and your hubby can be in the shots, too.
• Don't force anything. If your baby doesn't want to open his presents, so what? If he doesn't want to socialize, so be it. If it all becomes too much and he needs to leave the party for a mini nap, let him. Every parent there will totally understand—and by going with the flow you'll keep everyone happy.
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