Get Ready! Toddler Checkup
Author: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
If you have a 15, 18, 24, or 36-month-old little one, chances are they are toddlin' around. Welcome to toddlerhood. Whether you characterize toddlerhood by the "terrific twos" or "terrible twos," this period is a phenomenal time of growth and development.
With such growth and development, chances are you will be checking in with your pediatrician during these months for both a well child check-up and, perhaps, even a few vaccines.
Having survived infancy, you now know the drill of a well baby check-up: the doctor will check your child's height, weight, and head circumference. Your doctor will also examine your child from head to toe, checking both physical characteristics, as well as vitals. And, to top it off, your child may receive a vaccine or two (or three) - depending on your pediatrician's schedule for administering them.
With so many significant changes occurring at this time including: walking (and other gross motor development - jumping, running, climbing), language development, and social and emotional development (ability to recognize and express feelings and also interact/play with others), you may have many questions too. Each visit presents an opportunity to learn and grow with your child.
Where to start? What are you wondering? What questions to ask?
Here's a sample list to get you started:
- Questions about physical development (both gross/large and fine/small motor): Are there exercises and/or activities that I can do with my child to promote their physical development? Are extracurricular programs (i.e. gym or swim classes) valuable to my child's development?
- Questions regarding language development: What should my expectations be in terms of my child's ability to communicate? When will they begin using words and sentences? How can I best support language development? My child gets frustrated. How can I help them communicate what they need?
- Questions about social and emotional development: You may notice that your younger toddler seems to play side by side (vs. with) other children. When will a child begin playing with other children? Is there a value to children being in group settings (i.e. daycare and/or preschool)? How can I help my child communicate their feelings (vs. throwing a tantrum)?
- Questions regarding overall development: When should I begin toilet training my child? Is there a best way to toilet train? What should my expectations be? When should I move my child from the crib to a toddler bed? My child still is using a pacifier. When and how can I help my child say "goodbye" to this?
Just like development, your list may go on and on and be quite different. Take the time to talk with your pediatrician at each age and stage.
Your child is worth it.
You may find that it makes your job as a parent just a bit easier too!
