18-Month Checkup

• Family Well-Being
  • Keep a usual family routine
  • Make one-on-one time for each child in family
  • Be aware of language used because child will imitate
  • Watch for sibling rivalry
• Keeping Child Safe
  • Do not shake or hit child
  • Choose safe, quality child care
  • Keep child in rear-facing car seat in back seat of car until at least 2 years old or until child is over the height and weight limit set by seat maker
  • Do not leave alone in bathwater
  • Stay within arm’s length when child is near water
  • Assess home risk for exposure to lead
  • Keep Poison Control number handy: 800-222-1222
  • Ensure home is safe from fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and choking hazards
  • Keep cleaning supplies and medicines away from child
  • Install stair gates and window guards
  • Lock up guns
  • Cover electrical outlets
• Healthy Feeding
  • Provide three nutritious meals and two snacks a day
  • Limit sweets and high-fat foods
• Regular Care and Routines
  • Assist with brushing teeth with soft toothbrush two times a day
  • Establish ongoing care with dental provider
  • Establish a consistent bedtime routine
  • Encourage supervised outdoor play
  • Begin toilet training when ready
• Healthy Development
  • Establish consistent limits, rules and consequences
  • Praise good behavior
  • Help child describe feelings in simple words
  • Limit TV and screen time to one to two hours a day
  • Provide age-appropriate toys to develop imagination and self-expression
  • Offer favorite toy for self-soothing during sleep time
  • Use distraction or choice of two appropriate options to avoid/resolve conflicts
  • Read books and talk about pictures and story using simple words
  • Discipline constructively using time-out for one minute per year of age