2 Year Checkup

Height: ____  Weight ____  Head Circ: ____

FEEDING: Appetite and food preferences are sporadic during the toddler years. Many become picky, fussy eaters, with strong taste preferences. They may eat a lot one day, and virtually nothing the next. In general, what is eaten is much more significant than how much is consumed. Do be certain that the child is not filling up on milk or juice, blunting their natural appetite.

Mealtimes should be enjoyable rather than times for discipline or family arguments. Limit the time the toddler must sit at the table. Once they are fidgety or disruptive, they should be allowed to get down.

Offer small amounts of food. Don’t force the child to eat something they don’t want, or more than they desire. Do not give too many choices either. If the child is not hungry, that is okay, but they cannot simply eat only what they want all the time. Do not use food as reward or as a sign of approval … this contributes to overeating later in life.

A supplemental vitamin may be given if desired.

ELIMINATION: Bowel movements will vary from several per day to one every 3-4 days. Frequency is not as important as consistency of the stool … they still should be soft and easy to pass. Some children are ready to begin toilet training at this age. However, they must be able to recognize the urge to hold and to go, and be able to communicate this to the parents. Also important is that the sensation of a “dirty diaper” is recognized as negative to the child. If not, they have no real reason to want to go in the toilet. Try not to rush the process, and allow the child to watch the same sex parent use the toilet, and mimic if desired. There are numerous “potty books” that are good to add to your reading routine at this age to introduce the idea.

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 consistant bedtime routine is important. Providing time to help the child slow down is recommended an hour before bedtime. Quiet activities include: reading stories, playing in the bath, listening to music or appropriate TV. We do not recommend having a TV in the child’s bedroom.

DEVELOPMENT:

• Runs well with wide stance
• Pulls and pushes toys, throws ball overhand
• Kicks ball forward
• Knows 50 or more words, uses 2-3 word phrases
• Builds a tower of 6-7 cubes
• Understands directional commands

PLAY:

• Tricycle, riding toys, rocking horses
• Play telephone, fill and dump toys
• Read stories
• Color with crayons, finger paints, chalk, puzzles with large pieces
• Large balls for throwing, running after, and kicking
• Blocks
• Water toys, sandbox with pail and shovel, bubbles
• Appropriate children’s TV

SAFETY:

• Use outlet covers, hide wires, lock cabinets.
• Use an approved car seat
• 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
• Teach the meaning of HOT!

SMOKING: Do not smoke around your baby, or even in the house or the car. Exposure to cigarette smoke has been linked to numerous illnessess: 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?

CARE OF TEETH: Use child size toothbrush and small amount of non-fluoride toothpaste. Once child can spit out toothpaste, fluoride toothpaste is fine. Usually we recommend a visit to the dentist starting at 2 years old.

DISCIPLINE: Essential ingredients are firmness and consistency! Toddlers say “no” to many things. This is a necessary assertion of self-control. Reduce the opportunities for him to say “no”. Instead of asking “Do you want to go to sleep now?” positively state, “Lets get ready for bed.”

Parents are role models for children. They learn by watching, listening, and mimicking. Be sure what you are saying and doing is actually what you want them to learn!!!