My Baby's 18 Month Visit
You Have a Toddler in the House!
As your child reaches the 18-month milestone, this appointment is an excellent opportunity to discuss their growth and development. Here’s what we’ll focus on during this visit:
Physical Screening
We’ll conduct a thorough examination, measuring your child’s weight, length, and head circumference to ensure they are growing appropriately. We’ll also assess their overall physical development, including gross motor skills such as running, climbing, and jumping.
Developmental Milestones
At 18 months, we’ll review important developmental milestones, such as the ability to walk confidently, climb stairs with assistance, and begin to interact with other children. Monitoring these milestones helps us ensure your child is hitting the developmental milestones for this age.
Nutrition
At this stage, your child’s dietary needs continue to evolve. We’ll discuss the importance of a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources. We can also address any concerns you may have about picky eating or mealtime challenges.
Sleep Patterns
Sleep is often a common concern for parents of toddlers. We’ll talk about your child’s sleep habits, including nap schedules and nighttime routines, and offer strategies to help establish healthy sleep practices as they transition to fewer naps.
Safety and Development
As your child becomes more adventurous, safety is paramount. We’ll discuss babyproofing your home, safe play environments, and the importance of supervision during playtime. We’ll also cover topics like car seat safety as they grow.
Language Development
By 18 months, many children are expanding their vocabulary significantly. We’ll discuss ways to encourage language development through reading, singing, and engaging in conversations. If you have concerns about speech or language development, we can address those as well.
We’re here to support both you and your child as you navigate this busy stage of parenthood. Please contact our office with any questions or concerns you might have.
Michael Husseman, M.D.
Michael is board-certified in pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Milestones to Expect
- Climbs up steps alone, one step at a time, holding the stair rail or the parent’s hand.
- Jumps off the floor with both feet, opens doors, kicks a ball, and climbs on furniture.
- Can wash and dry their hands.
- Asks frequent questions like, “What is that?”
- Enjoys imitating what the adults around them are doing.
- Most 2-year olds have a vocabulary of 50 words or more.
Health & Safety Reminders
- Hitting and biting are common at this age.
- Do not expect your toddler to share toys.
- Secure gates at the stairwells.
- Never leave your toddler unsupervised in or near the bathtub, a swimming pool, bucket of water, ditch, or bathroom.
- Avoid overexposure to the sun.
Medicine Dosages
| WEIGHT | 12-17 lbs | 18-23 lbs |
|---|---|---|
|
Children’s Acetaminophen (160 mg / 5 mL) Can be given every four hours. |
2.5 mL | 3.75 mL |
|
Infant’s Ibuprofen (50 mg / 2.5 mL) Can be given every six hours. |
1.25 mL | 1.875 mL |
Vaccine Information Sheets
Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) are information sheets produced by the CDC that explain both the benefits and risks of a vaccine to vaccine recipients.
DTaP VIS
HIB VIS
Pneumococcal VIS
Hepatitis B VIS
IPV VIS
MMR VIS
Chickenpox/Varicella VIS
Hepatitis A VIS
- Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP)
If they didn’t get them at the 15-month appointment:
- Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine (HIB).
- Pnuemococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
- Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB)
- Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)
- Chickenpox/Varicella
- Hepatitis A
Bright Futures
At your visit, we’ll provide a summary of what to expect at this stage of your child’s development, as well as in the upcoming weeks and months. This resource, known as Bright Futures, is available below for viewing or printing online.
It’s incredible to see how much my baby’s grown since the day I first held her in my arms. She’s walking, learning new words, and figuring out how to express herself. She amazes me every day and I’m so glad I get to be her mom.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
- If your baby has a fever.
- If your baby doesn’t want to eat.
- If your baby is vomiting or has diarrhea.
- If your baby is lethargic.
- If your baby has unusual skin rashes.
- Any time you feel something is out of the ordinary.
From the Pediatric Blog
Understanding Developmental Milestones
Explore the incredible stages of your baby’s development from infancy to 9 years old, gaining valuable insights into their growth and milestones. Supplement your parenting journey with knowledge and support through this short article.
The Importance of a Balanced Diet for Growing Children
Encouraging healthy eating in children is essential for their growth and development. Focus on providing a balanced diet with the food pyramid as a guide: prioritize grains, fruits, and vegetables, followed by protein and dairy.
Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need?
Getting adequate sleep is necessary for a child’s development and can positively impact a child’s health. Make sure your child is getting the recommended amount of sleep with these tips.
