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Babyproof Your Home for Safety and Prevent Toddler Accidents

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 13-14 Month Old Toddler

There is a lot of talk about the 2-year-old and the 3-year-old, but sometimes we forget what happens between 12 and 18 months. This period will truly test your understanding and sense of humor. Why? Because there’s no simple way to make a baby who is this age, explore safely or obey your requests.

Your child loves to explore and he needs to explore to learn, but he can so easily get hurt. You’ll need to watch him every minute and protect him and your belongings from harm. This is not easy.

Baby-proof your home by removing anything he can hurt himself with and anything he can damage. This may mean storing the coffee table and removing the plants for a while. With a child this age, it’s hard to keep a home neat and clean.

When accidents do happen, understand that your baby is not trying to be mean. He may be very curious, but he is not trying to upset you. Consider what you give up today as a way to help in your child’s growth and happiness tomorrow. Believe it or not, he will learn to be responsible.

Welcome this curious little person to your life. When you need some peace of mind and quiet, beg or borrow someone to watch your child, put your little one in a playpen for a short time, or take him for a walk or a ride. Use your child’s nap time to get some rest for yourself.


Learn more about Your Toddler: 13-14 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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