1. Check your child's weight, height, and head circumference and plot the measurements on a growth chart. Your doctor will also calculate and plot your child's body mass index (BMI).
2. Ask questions, address concerns, and provide guidance about how your toddler is: Eating. Don't be surprised if your toddler skips meals occasionally or loves something one day and won't touch it the next. Schedule 3 meals and 2–3 healthy snacks a day. You're in charge of the menu, but let your child be in charge of how much they eat. Peeing and pooping. Most children are ready to begin potty training when they're 2–3 years old. You may notice signs that your child is ready to start potty training, such as:
Developing. By 2 years, most children:
4. Update immunizations. 5. Order tests. Your doctor may order tests for lead, anemia, high cholesterol, and tuberculosis, if needed. Feeding
Now, safety experts say to do this based on a child's size, not age. So, small children can stay rear-facing until age 3 or 4. Your doctor and/or nurse will probably:
1. Check your child's weight and height, calculate body mass index (BMI), and plot the measurements on a growth chart. 2. Check your child's blood pressure, vision, and hearing using standard testing equipment. 3. Ask questions, address concerns, and offer advice about how your child is: Eating Schedule 3 meals and 2 healthy snacks a day. If you have a picky eater, keep offering a variety of healthy foods for your child to choose from. Kids should be encouraged to give new foods a try, but don't force them to eat them. Peeing and pooping By 4 years old, most kids are using the toilet. But many preschoolers who are potty trained during the day are not able to stay dry all night. It's also common for busy preschoolers to have an occasional daytime accident. Look for signs of "holding it" and encourage regular potty breaks. Talk to your doctor if your child is not yet potty trained or was previously trained and is now having problems. Sleeping Preschoolers sleep about 10–13 hours a day. Many 4-year-olds stop taking an afternoon nap, but be sure to schedule some quiet time during the day. Developing By 4 years, most kids:
4. Do an exam with your child undressed while you are present. This will include listening to the heart and lungs, observing motor skills, and talking to your child to assess speech and language development. 5. Update immunizations. Immunizations can protect kids from serious childhood illnesses, so it's important that your child get them on time. 6. Order tests. Your doctor may check for anemia, lead, high cholesterol, and tuberculosis and order tests, if needed. Looking AheadHere are some things to keep in mind until your child's next checkup at 5 years: Eating
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1. Check your child's weight and height, calculate body mass index (BMI), and plot the measurements on a growth chart.
2. Check your child's blood pressure and vision, if your child is able to cooperate. 3. Ask questions, address concerns, and offer guidance about how your child is: Eating. Growth is slow and steady during the preschool years. Offer 3 meals and 2 healthy snacks a day. Even if your child is a picky eater, keep offering a variety of healthy foods. Peeing and pooping. Your preschooler may be potty trained or using the potty during the day. Even so, it is common for kids this age to have an occasional accident during the day and still need a diaper at night. If your child has not yet shown the signs of being ready to potty train, tell your doctor. Also let the doctor know if your child is constipated, has diarrhea, seems to be "holding it," or was potty trained but is now having problems. Sleeping. Preschoolers sleep about 10–13 hours a day. Most kids this age still take a nap during the day. Developing. By 3 years, most kids:
4. Do an exam with your child undressed while you are present. This will include an eye exam, teeth exam, listening to the heart and lungs, and paying attention to speech and language development. 5. Update immunizations. Immunizations can protect kids from serious childhood illnesses, so it's important that your child get them on time. Immunization schedules can vary from office to office, so talk to your doctor about what to expect. 6. Order tests. Your doctor may order tests to check for anemia, lead, and tuberculosis, if needed. Feeding
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