Your 52-Week-Old Baby (One Year Old)

Happy first birthday! You've officially made it through year one—which is no small feat. As you celebrate this milestone, there's also a big healthcare provider visit on the calendar: the 12-month checkup. I talked to Dr. Chris Klunk, a board-certified neonatologist at Pediatrix Medical Group, about what to expect at this appointment, the developmental milestones your baby's pediatrician may ask about and why honey is finally safe to introduce after a full year of avoiding it.

🚼 Baby’s Development 

What happens at the 12-month checkup

The one-year appointment may have a little more going on than some of the checkups you've had so far.

Dr. Klunk walks through what to expect: "There are recommended immunizations, screening for anemia (low red blood cells), hearing and vision checks, blood pressure measurement and possibly testing for lead or tuberculosis based on your little one's risk." Which screenings your baby gets can depend on factors like their health history and individual risk factors, so their pediatrician may tailor the visit to them.

They’ll also check in on your baby’s development. According to Dr. Klunk, they may ask about things like “playing pat-a-cake, waving goodbye, saying ‘mama’ and ‘dada,’ looking for things that are hidden, drinking from a cup and walking while holding onto things,” also known as cruising. If your baby was born prematurely, their developmental timeline may look a little different, so your healthcare provider can help you understand what to expect.

If your baby isn’t doing everything on that list yet, that doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong. Development happens on a range, and your baby’s healthcare provider will look at their development as a whole rather than expecting every milestone to happen on a specific date. This visit is also a good opportunity to bring up any questions you’ve had about your baby’s development, feeding, sleep or anything else that’s been on your mind.

Honey is finally safe (here's why)

After a full year of keeping honey off the menu, your baby can finally give it a try.  "They are no longer considered to be at risk of a potentially fatal illness caused by Clostridium botulinum spores found in honey,” Dr. Klunk explains. You can introduce it just like other foods—mixed into oatmeal or yogurt, spread thinly on toast or paired with something your baby already enjoys.

It's a small change, but also a pretty sweet reminder of just how far your baby—and you—have come since those early newborn days. 

Happy 1st birthday, baby. 🎂