1 - 2 years
Nutrition
Start 4 Life provides up to date information about nutritional recommendations for 1-2 year olds.
First Steps Nutrition produces a detailed guide to good food choices and portion sizes for 1-4 year olds.
At 12 months it is advisable that your child has 3 meals a day plus snacks alongside breastfeeds or around 450ml of infant formula.
There is no need for toddler milks, growing-up milks or goodnight milks. Breast milk or first infant formula is fine for the first year of your baby’s life and breast milk or full fat cow’s milk can be used after this.
You can keep breastfeeding as long as it suits you and your baby alongside a balanced and varied diet.
Your child can have whole (full-fat) cow’s milk as a main drink alongside a balanced diet from 12 months.
Vitamins
It’s recommended that your child has vitamin A, C and D supplements at this age.
The Healthy Start scheme offers free vitamins to eligible families. For more information and to find out if you are eligible, visit the Healthy Start website.
Healthy Start Scheme
The Healthy Start scheme offers food and vitamin vouchers to eligible families. Find out how to make the most of your vouchers
Immunisations and screening tests
At 12-13 months your child will be offered free vaccinations to protect against illnesses.
From 2 years old your child is eligible for an annual flu vaccine, usually given as a nasal spray.
Development
Your child may be ready to start potty training from around 18 to 30 months.
Activity
The Start4Life website has lots of ideas for keeping your child active while he/she is crawling and toddling around.
Once your child is walking, there are lots of ways you can encourage him/her to be active..
By 18 months your child should be walking – if he/she isn’t walking by then, you should talk to your Health Visitor or GP.
Children’s centres
Havering’s Children’s Centres offer a variety of services and support to parents and children including infant feeding support, parenting courses and play sessions. These can be good opportunities to socialise with other parents, expand your knowledge and receive advice and support.