2 Year Visit

2 Year Well Child Visit

Next Visit:

NUTRITION

¨ Set good eating habits. Eat healthy meals together.

¨ Low fat or skim milk should be given instead of whole milk.

¨ Snack suggestions: fruits, yogurt, crackers, cheese (Snack list.)

¨ Avoid fast food restaurants and junk foods.

¨ Offer three meals and 2-3 nutritious snacks daily at regular times. Avoid foods that could cause choking, such as nuts, popcorn, hard raw vegetables and fruits, and foods cut in round pieces. Limit sugar.

¨ Toddlers are often picky eaters, but will get enough to sustain themselves if healthy choices are available. If concerned, you may give your child vitamins if he/she is not consuming adequate fruits and veggies. Be cautious of iron containing vitamins, these may be toxic if ingested in excess.

SAFETY

¨ Continue to be aware of foods that your child could choke on and be familiar with the Heimlich maneuver. Infant CPR courses are offered through The American Red Cross. Call Bill Peck at 241-4434 to schedule an appointment.

¨ All children are safer in the backseat. Car seat until 40 pounds, then booster seat until 80 pounds, then seat belt only.

¨ Keep children out of the sun at peak times (10:00 – 3:00) and always protect with a PABA-free sunscreen. (SPF of 15 or above). Insect repellent should contain less than 10% DEET.

¨ Accidental poisonings and choking are common at this age. Lock up medicines/cleaning solutions. Put the poison center number on the telephone. 275-3232 or 1-800-222-1222

¨ Never leave child unattended in the bathtub. Swimming pools must have locked gates/fences.

HEALTHY HABITS

¨ Fear is a new emotion at this age. Don’t be surprised if your child has new fears. Encourage him/her not to be afraid of irrational fears but take his/her fears seriously.

¨ Toilet learning can be started if the child is ready. Signs of readiness include long periods of dryness, knowing when he/she is going, and waking up dry. If an attempt fails, wait a month and try again. Remember your excellence as a parent is not measured by when your child has completed potty training.

¨ Limit television viewing to no more than one hour per day and select quality programs.

¨ Sing songs and say nursery rhymes with your child.

¨ Read to your child every day. Encourage story telling, naming opposites, and comparisons.

¨ Play catch, encourage running, jumping, tricycle riding (with helmet) and balancing.

¨ Practice cutting (with safety scissors), painting, drawing, coloring, and puzzles.

¨ Encourage good table manners and use of fork and spoon.

¨ Praise positive behaviors; for example learning a new skill, being helpful or cooperative.

¨ “Catch the child being good,” instead of noticing and giving attention to the negative behaviors.

¨ Help children learn how to resolve conflicts and handle anger without using violence (e.g., “Use your words,” “Tell me how you feel,” “Let’s talk about it,” or What can you do instead of hitting”).

¨ Masturbation is a normal phenomenon in this age group. Do not be alarmed.

¨ Teach your child to look both ways before crossing the street. Do not allow unsupervised outside play at this age.

¨ Brush teeth daily. Begin regular visits to the dentist.

¨ Choose your battles carefully – recognize that parents have the ultimate responsibility for making all decisions.

¨ Limit number of rules, but consistently enforce them. Define “boundaries.” Allow no hitting, biting, or aggressive behavior. Do not expect toddlers to share all toys.

¨ Children need limits. Be clear about which behaviors you allow or approve of, and which you do not.

¨ Time Out should not be used as punishment, but rather as a method of self-quieting.

¨ Discipline should be respectful to the child and parent, it should not be punitive, and should be related to the deed (“logical consequence”). Keep discipline brief and offer reassurance once the negative behavior has stopped.

2 Year Well Child Visit

NUTRITION

SAFETY

HEALTHY HABITS

SUGGESTED READING