During your toddler's 2-year well child check, it's an ideal opportunity to catch up on any missed immunizations. The provider may assess your child's ability to walk to observe their coordination. Additionally, the provider might inquire about potty training and temper tantrums, and recommend scheduling a dental checkup if you haven't already done so. To ensure your child's health, the provider may:
|
Questions the provider may ask:
- How is your child sleeping? Most children at this stage sleep about 11 hours at night and may nap for two hours during the day. Some children may stop napping entirely and opt for one long nighttime sleep. If your child experiences nightmares, consult a provider for advice on comforting them.
- How is your child eating? As your child interacts more with other kids, their interest in sugary foods may increase. If you struggle with their sweet tooth, consult the doctor for healthy snack ideas and dietary advice.
- How is toilet training going? By this age, most children have begun toilet training, but may not have fully mastered it. Your doctor can provide tips on transitioning out of diapers.
- Have you noticed anything unusual about the way your child walks? At this age, many children walk knock-kneed due to ongoing leg development, this typically resolves itself.
- Is your child physically active? A toddler at this stage gains better control over their arms and legs, improving coordination. They can kick a ball, throw overhand, build block towers, climb furniture, jump, and navigate stairs. Encouraging movement and exploration is important at this age.
- What new words are they learning? At this age, children often ask "why" to seek explanations or continue conversations. Their vocabulary grows daily, with toddlers aged 30 months typically using 100+ words and forming three- or four-word phrases. Providers may assess language skills by asking questions.
- Do they respond to two-step commands? At two years old, children can typically understand and follow two-step directions. If your child struggles to follow instructions, consider speaking with a doctor.
- What games do they like to play? The activities that bring joy to your child offer the doctor valuable clues about their development. At this age, many children find pleasure in activities like solving basic puzzles, doodling on paper, organizing objects by color, and filling and emptying containers.
- Have you noticed anything unusual about your child's eyes or the way she looks at things?
- Have they seen a dentist? The American Academy of Pediatrics advises children to visit a dentist by age one for dental check-ups.
During your child's 3-year well child check, you provider may:
|
During your child's 4-year well child check, you provider may:
|
During your child's 5-year well child check, you provider may:
Check if your child is developing well by observing their interactions with friends, ability to memorize important information like their address and phone number, and capacity to follow complex instructions with multiple steps. Early detection of any issues like autism, learning difficulties, or attention problems can lead to better outcomes with timely intervention. By age 5, most kids dress themselves and write letters/numbers. If not, it may signal fine motor skill issues. Ensure children brush teeth regularly to prevent dental problems. |