15 Months Checkup

Height: ____  Weight ____  Head Circ: ____

FEEDING: Table foods are the preferred food at this age. Adjust consistency to chewing ability, and avoid foods high in fat, sugar and salt. Mealtimes should be positive social experiences, where the child is learning new tastes, textures and fine motor skills. Do not force your child to eat when he is not hungry. Also don’t be frustrated if his current preferred foods number only 3-5, and that your child may eat voraciously one day and virtually nothing the next. THIS IS NORMAL! You can give a vitamin supplement if you wish.

Your child should be drinking mainly from a cup by this time.

ELIMINATION: Stools continue to vary greatly as you introduce new foods. Frequency is not as important as consistency of the stool…they still should be soft and easy to pass. We do not recommend active toilet training until 18 months to 2 ½ years of age.

SLEEP: Sleeping needs will decrease gradually, but 8-10 hours solid is the norm for this age group. He should sleep in his own bed and bedroom. Naps vary from none to one, or even two short ones. A favorite doll or blanket may be needed as a security object, and may help him fall asleep on his own.

DEVELOPMENT:

• Walks well, runs stiffly
• Drinks from a cup, begins to use a spoon
• Points to body parts, gestures “up” and “down”
• Scribbles spontaneously, builds a tower of 2 cubes
• Uses 6-8 words consistently, parrots speech

PLAY:

• Nesting toys, stacking blocks, push-pull toys
• Books
• Large balls to kick and throw
• Let child help choose clothing to wear (give only choice of two!)

SAFETY:

• Use outlet covers, hide wires, lock cabinets.
• Use an approved car seat … forward facing if one year and 20 pounds!
• Have Poison Control Number on hand (589-8222). Syrup of Ipecac is NO LONGER RECOMMENDED BY THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
• Never leave child unattended around sources of water: Bathtub, toilet, swimming pools, bucket of water
• Administer medications as a drug, not as candy

SMOKING: Do not smoke around your baby, or even in the house or the car. Exposure to cigarette smoke has been linked to numerous illnesses: crib death, ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, allergies, and growth retardation. Keep in mind, too, that you are your child’s most trusted role model. Do you really want your child to smoke?

SHOES: “No shoes are the best shoes for your child.” Shoes are for protection only (from heat, cold, or sharp objects.) We highly discourage high-top, hard soled leather shoes. A soft, flexible, well fitted shoe are the most important aspects to consider. Do not let child wear “previously worn” shoes. Your child will have stronger feet and legs as a result.

CARE OF TEETH: Use child size toothbrush and small amount of non-fluoride toothpaste. Let child brush, then parent finishes the job.

DISCIPLINE: Consistency is the key! Your child may “test” you severely at this age. Temper tantrums should be ignored, biting and hitting discouraged, and if a particular object is causing distress, remove the temptation! Stay calm, and try to re-direct your child to another activity if possible.

IMMUNIZATIONS: DTaP/Hib Combo, IPV