What to Expect At This Visit:
At this visit your child will receive the Hepatitis A vaccine. In our practice, we give the booster dose of Dtap, IPV and HIB (Pentacel). We repeat the hemoglobin at this visit to make sure that your baby is not iron deficient. In addition, we do a test (M-CHAT) checking for Autism. We repeat this test at 2 years and 3 years.
Click here for the American Academy of Pediatrics Immunization Schedule.
Additional Vaccine Information: The American Academy of Pediatrics
Development:
Note: Please know that the development of each child is unique and special. The following information on development is general and meant for informational purposes only. If you are concerned about the development of your child, please let your pediatrician know.
*At 18 months, your child will begin to throw a ball. They will also be able to stack 3 or 4 blocks on top of each other. Their vocabulary is increasing, ranging anywhere from 4-20 words. Finally at 18 months, your child will be able to feed his/her self.
*At this age, your child may cling on, or be afraid. Continue to praise your child and encourage them that it's all right if they are scared.
*If your child gets into mischief, continue to use Time-Outs to discipline your child. While it is important to let your child know when they have done something bad, please remember to praise your child when they do something good. Use words of praise like "Good Job!" to encourage your child. 50 Ways to Praise a Child
*There any many questions on when to start potty-training your child. Potty-training starts anywhere from 2 to 4 years old. The list below are signs that your child may be ready to start potty-training.
-If your child is dry for 2 hour periods
-If your child knows the difference between dry and wet & appears uncomfortable when they are wet.
-If your child can pull his/her pants up
-If your child wants to learn
-If your child can indicate when they have had a bowel movement.
Click here for AAP's information on starting Potty training.
*Potty-training can be an exciting time for your child. Reading books to your child about using the potty and going on a shopping trip to buy "Big Kid" underwear can excite your child to potty-train.
*At this age, your child will not understand what sharing is. If your child is playing with others, do not expect your child to understand, or want to share.
*While your child is curious about the world around them, it is best to keep outings short. This will help keep their interest, but also help your child stay on their nap schedules.
Daily Life:
Feeding:
*Your child will continue to learn and try new foods. Continue to make meals a fun time and do not force-feed your child. Encourage family dinners. At this age your child's diet should include 3 meals a day and 2-3 snacks a day.
*Limit the amount of juice you give your child, limiting to 2-4 ounces of juice a day.
Sleeping:
Fun & Play:
Safety:
*Because your child is active, your child may attempt to climb on furniture. Bookshelves, especially are a risk for small children to climb.
*Driveways can be a safety risk when your child is playing outside. At this age, your child will not be seen through a rear-view mirror. Encourage your child to play in the backyard, especially fenced in backyards. Never leave your child unsupervised outside.
*Never leave your child alone while bathing, even for a second. A child can drown in as little as 2 inches of water. Set your water heater thermostat to less than 120 degrees. This helps prevent scalding water and burns.
Health:
Parents & Family:
*Take time each day to spend time with each child, reminding them that they are special and important.
*Many families will consider having another baby at this age. The stress of an addition to your family may at first cause your child to feel stressed. A child's development may appear to regress at first with stress. As your child becomes more comfortable with the new addition, their developmental skills will return.
Useful Resources & Links:
TIPP (The Injury Prevention Program) safety sheet for 1-2 year olds
American Academy of Pediatrics' Information on Rear-facing vs Forward-facing Convertible Car Seats
Read Me A Story Check-up Guide