Health Development
By understanding what to expect along the way, the parent /guardian and professionals can prepare ahead with identification of milestones and "red flags" in the child's growth and development.
Recommended Visits to Doctor
- Well-child checkups and immunizations: 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, 3 years, and 4 years
- Early identification of problems – slow growth or inappropriate weight for height, maltreatment, delays, vision, hearing, language, acute and chronic diseases
Health Issues
See previous transition points also - Crawling and walking – safety and cleanliness issues
- Injury prevention – car seats, water heat, playing near water or heat sources, limit sun time, smoke-free environment, smoke alarms, turn pan handles toward back of stove
- All poisons up out of reach – know Poison Control phone numbers
- Lead poisoning – old paint, industrial dust – blood test if risk factors
- Inhalation – plastic bags, small objects can be deadly
- TV and computer and game screen time limits
- Sleep routines
- Toilet training and learning to care for personal hygiene
- Advantages and disadvantages of pets
Eating
- Growth slows; may be picky eater
- Offer nutritious foods; 3 meals per day plus snacks; limit fats, sugar, salt
- Growing independence in eating
- Assess for iron-deficiency anemia
Oral Health
- Learning to brush own teeth
- Seeing dentist; fluoride applications
- Safety for teeth
Communication
- Play is important with toys, other children, and adults
- Opportunities to explore the world safely
- Language develops with practice – talk to children, ask and answer questions
- Imagination, make-believe and dress-up play
- Clear communication of needs and wishes
- Expression of feelings: joy, anger, sadness, frustration
- Learning to meet people and make friends
- Learning how to handle conflicts
- Attention span lengthens
Family Relationships
- Responsive to child
- Sets limits
- Praise for accomplishments
- Good role models for developing children
Community Interactions
- Community resources for education, play, financial support
- Safety
Mental Health and Social Competence
- Self comforting and self discipline
- Self-regulation: feeding, sleep, washing/cleanliness, distress, frustration
- Learning cooperation, ability to follow directions; accept limits
- High expectations from people around children (not focusing on what child cannot do)
Links