Routine Well Visit: 2 and 2.5 years

Language and motor skills are expanding at this age. Pretend play using their imagination is common.
Your child’s speech will become more intelligible. She can use a minimum of 50 words and begin to put two words together: e.g. “Mama up”, “Hi Daddy”.
Can name animal sounds and may name body parts.
Your child will follow more complex commands, be able to recognize objects by shape and color
Your child can now kick a ball, throw a ball but not catch. Can walk up and down stairs withholding a parent’s hand.
Parallel play is common alongside friends as well as imitating family members words and actions.
A 2 year old can commonly have temper tantrums. They are commonly unable to see the consequences of their actions and are impulsive in their actions.

Child-proofing is key. Children are exploring their home, inside and out. They are climbing, and may get into cabinets, touch electrical outlets and try to eat grandparents’ medication, for example. Their curiosity may put them in harm’s way. The poison control number, 1-800-222-1222 should be on your home phone and your cell.
All children need to be secured in their car seats and can now face forward. They should always remain in the back seat, and an appropriate seat chosen to reflect their height and weight.
Set your water heater temperature to no higher than 120 degrees.

A two year old may be picky but should be offered 3 meals and 2 snacks every day. A variety of healthy foods should include fruits and veggies, yogurt, cheese, whole grain breads, nut butters, lean meats and fish.
If previously drinking whole milk, children may be switched to low fat milk.
Eating together as a family, putting away phones and turning off the TV encourages family conversation.
Plan to brush teeth twice a day with a grain-of-rice-sized amount of fluoride containing toothpaste

Routines around playtime, mealtime and bedtime are important.
There should be family time for talk, reading and play and spending time with each child in the family.
Consistent message and limits need to be established. There is a need to set rules and have consequences for unacceptable behaviors and safety concerns. A brief time-out can be used with a duration of one minute per year of age.
Praising good behaviors and suggesting alternative behaviors can be helpful. A short list of rules that are explained clearly and reinforced works better than long explanations.

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