15 Month Check Up

DIET:

Continue with a regular diet and whole milk. Try and introduce healthy foods and limit juices. Be aware of the choking hazards still exist and watch for the child who likes to shove his entire plate into their mouth at one time. Avoid shellfish.

SLEEP:

Continue with a good bedtime routine. Most are still in a crib, however some have progressed to the bed. I think that as long as they can stay in the crib, the better. Hopefully, children will be in a good routine and will sleep about 10-12 hours a night, with a couple of naps during the day. Some kids, who were previously good sleepers, will begin to awake at night. Maintain consistency and try and not allow these children into parent’s bed unless you like sleeping with your kids until they are about 4 or 5!

DEVELOPMENT:

Continue to read to your child. Almost all kids will be walking by now, with some running nd climbing. Receptive (processing words) language will become very good, with the identification of body parts and following simple commands beginning. Fine motor skills will be improving and your child will begin to seem smart. At this age, it becomes more noticeable if a child is having trouble with speech and general development. Please let me know if you have a concern.

SAFETY:

The car seat needs to remain in the back seat. Close the bathroom door. Be careful in the kitchen with the dishwasher, stove, knives and oven. Lock your outside doors. You can give them a drawer or cabinet that has pots/pans to play with, but make the kitchen off limits when you are cooking.

Continue to be aware of choking hazards. Learn child CPR. Use sunscreen daily and insect repellent when appropriate. Turn your hot water heater down one notch from the highest setting. Place all chemicals, cleaning agents, pet food, etc up and out of the way. Also do not keep water stored in 5 gallon buckets. Do not leave unattended in the bath.

DISCIPLINE:

Continue to firm and consistent. Kids will do much better if they have a good, regular schedule to follow. Expect more fits, more difficult behavior and not always following directions very well.

TEETH:

Begin to either wipe down your child’s teeth or use a finger brush. The goal is getting them used to having something in their mouth and in the habit of daily oral care. Toothpaste is not needed yet. Begin toothpaste at around 18 months.

Immunizations given today:

VARICELLA, PREVNAR

Next Appointment:

3 months

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