18 Month Check Up

DIET:

Continue with a regular diet and whole milk 16-20 ounces/day. Try to 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. Expect kids to become picky and only eat a few foods. Be patient-this will pass when they are an adult! 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 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.

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:

Try and brush teeth at least once a day. Begin a small amount of toothpaste. Introduce dental floss at this age.

Immunizations given today:

DTAP, IPV

Next Appointment:

6 months-after birthday

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