1 year old, second week

Introducing the dentist
It's time for your toddler's first official visit to the dentist. It may seem a little early, but caring for your toddler's teeth as soon as they emerge will reduce her chances of needing fillings when she's older.

Hopefully you'll have already started taking her to your own appointments so that she can get used to all the different sights, sounds and smells of a dentist's surgery. From now on it's a good idea to start making separate appointments for her too.

Your toddler's first visit is an opportunity to check that all is well with her baby teeth. It also gives your dentist an opportunity to offer pointers on brushing her teeth, preventing decay and making sure she gets the right amount of fluoride.

At home, continue cleaning your toddler's teeth using a small brush with soft bristles and a small smear of children's fluoride toothpaste. Children under three should use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm (parts per million). Try to use small, circular movements rather than sawing backwards and forwards. You may find you get a better view of your toddler's mouth if you cradle her on your lap with her head resting in the crook of your arm. To distract your child while you do the job, try giving her a toothbrush to hold, too.

Your life: putting milk on the menu
Cow's milk can probably become a bigger part of your child's diet now that she's passed the 12-month mark.

Whole, or full-fat, milk is usually the beverage of choice at this age because toddlers need fat to fuel their growth and their considerable energy needs. You should give her this until she's at least two years old.

When drunk in moderate amounts, cow's milk has many of the nutrients a growing toddler needs. Nutritionists recommend that one-year-olds drink no more than 350ml (two thirds of a pint) of milk a day.

Some toddlers love their milk and the challenge for parents is not to go overboard. A child who drinks more than 350ml may fill up on milk and miss out on other foods that are important for a balanced diet.

At the other extreme are toddlers who turn up their nose at cow's milk, at least at first. After all, it has a different texture, taste and even temperature to breastmilk or formula. Parents of reluctant milk-drinkers can try mixing whole milk with some breastmilk or formula milk at first (say, one part whole milk and three parts of your toddler's usual milk). Then slowly increase the amount of milk to 100 per cent.

Parent tip: buying books
"I buy children's books for my son and include a sentimental note inside the cover related to the book's subject. Not only will it be a special keepsake for him one day, but it also builds up his library." – Courtney
Share your tips!

Community
Has your toddler started crying whenever you're parted from him? Talk to other mums and dads about separation anxiety in our community's Toddler group.

Things to consider
Does your little one love hearing the same sounds and stories over and over again. Find out why.

If you feel ready to stop breastfeeding, find out how to wean your toddler from the breast.

Or maybe extended breastfeeding is best for both of you?

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