Well Baby Report - 2 Year Guide

What to expect at your two-year visit
Here are a few things your doctor might discuss with you at the two-year visit.

• Your toddler might be ready for potty training. Watch for the signs detailed below.
• As your child becomes more independent, temper tantrums might become more frequent. Try to remain calm and to avoid situations where tantrums could occur.
• Your child might be having difficulty sleeping. To them there is "so much to do and so little time." Make sure you are following a nighttime routine and reassuring your child about his or her sleep fears.
• Because of your toddler’s expanding vocabulary, it is important that you read to your child. Try reading a book as part of his or her nighttime routine.

Two-year immunizations
Make sure all immunizations are up to date.

Today’s report for your 2-year-old

Child’s name  

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Mealtime for your toddler
Toddlers tend to be very opinionated about what they will or will not eat. Don’t worry about it. This is perfectly normal and is not something over which you should battle with your child. Just make sure you offer your child healthy foods. If he or she chooses not to eat them, let it go. Keep trying new and different foods. Even if your child rejects them the first time, eventually he or she might be more receptive. Also, don't be concerned if your child requests the same food day after day. Eventually he or she will get bored with it and move on to something else.

You should make mealtime a routine. Your child should eat with the rest of the family. Behaviors such as throwing food or leaving the table should be discouraged.

Developmental milestones
Keep in mind that children develop at their own rates. These milestones are common to children at this age, but it is completely normal for your child to reach some milestones quickly and others at a slower rate. Common milestone can include the following.

• Has a vocabulary of 20 to 25 words
• Uses two word phrases
• Imitates adult behavior
• Marches, stomps, and kicks a ball
• Understands two-word commands
• Begins to color or draw
• Climbs stairs one at a time
• Might be ready for potty training
• Is increasingly independent and opinionated

Toilet training 101: "Readiness and responsibility"
After your child turns 2, you might consider beginning toilet training. It is important not to force your child if he or she is not ready. This will only make the process more difficult. You should delay toilet training if there are other changes going on in your toddler’s life, such as a move, a new baby, or an illness in the family.

• He or she stays dry for hours at a time.
• Your child seems to understand the general idea of "going potty."
• He or she is interested in learning.
• Your child can manage his or her clothing and the potty chair.

• Get a potty chair and explain its use.
• Use words you want your child to use to indicate when he or she has to go.
• Dress your child in easy to manage clothing.
• Allow your child to practice.
• Praise any success, but never punish.

• Don’t expect instant success.
• Use training pants during the day and diapers at night.
• Give your child responsibility, not constant reminders.
• Expect some accidents. Let your child know that it’s OK and they can try again next time
• Constantly praise your child, every little step of the way.

• Smoke detectors should be located on each level of your home and outside of each bedroom. Test smoke detectors once a month and change the batteries once every six months.
• Keep firearms unloaded and locked in a cabinet if you must have them in the home.
• Protect electrical cords and cover outlets. Don’t overload sockets or extension cords.
• Keep the door locked or a gate in place if there is a danger that the child might fall down the steps.
• Your child should always ride in a car seat in the back seat of the car.
• Your child should never swim without supervision. All pools and water areas should be inaccessible to your child. It only takes a few seconds for a child to drown.
• Until your child can be taught to cross the street independently, an adult should always accompany him or her.
• When using a hook-on feeding seat, never place anything under the seat, such as an adult chair. Children can use their feet to push against the chair and unhook the seat.
• Always use the seat and crotch restraints on highchairs. The tray alone does not provide enough security.

• Cloth books
• Pull toys
• Musical Toys
• Pounding bench
• Dolls
• Telephones
• Plastic cars and trucks

Should I call the doctor?
Yes. If your toddler:

• Becomes sluggish or inactive
• Will not eat
• Cries more than usual
• Develops an unusual rash (not prickly heat or diaper rash)
• Has a fever at any age
• Vomits repeatedly (not just spitting up)
• Has frequent loose, watery bowel movements
• Breathes rapidly, wheezes, or has any difficulty breathing

Before you call your child's doctor or nurse, write down your child’s symptoms. Take his or her temperature. Have your pharmacy’s phone number on-hand to tell the doctor. Keep a notepad on hand to write down any instructions.