My Baby's 3 Year Visit

Physical Exam and Immunizations

Threenager at your house?

You’ve got a “threenager” in the house! The 36-month visit allows parents to discuss growth, development, and health with their pediatrician. We’ll cover a range of important topics to ensure your toddler is thriving.

Physical Screening

During the physical screening, your pediatrician will perform a thorough head-to-toe examination, checking your toddler’s weight, height, and overall health. They’ll also assess how well they run, jump, and balance, ensuring they hit their physical milestones.

Language Development

By three years old, many children are expanding their vocabulary rapidly and starting to communicate in short sentences. We’ll review their speech and language development and discuss ways to encourage growth through reading, storytelling, and everyday conversations.

Behavior

With your child’s independence comes the joys (and challenges) of being a “threenager.” We’ll discuss common behavioral topics, like managing tantrums, setting boundaries, and fostering positive behavior.

Nutrition

Picky eating is common at this age. We’ll discuss ways to ensure your child gets the proper nutrition, including ideas for healthy snacks, balanced meals, and tips for handling those inevitable food battles!

This age is such a fun and transformative time for your child. We’re here to help you navigate this stage while keeping your sanity intact! Reach out to our office with any questions you might have.

Picture of James Fennel, M.D.

James Fennel, M.D.

James is board-certified in pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Milestones to Expect

  • Your child can run, climb, and ride a tricycle with more coordination.
  • They can open doors!
  • They may dress themselves but need help with shoes and buttons.
  • Your child can speak in longer sentences (4-5 words) and ask “why” questions.
  • They enjoy imaginative play, including dressing up, using props, and acting out scenarios.

Safety Reminders

  • Begin to teach your child their full name, address, and phone number.
  • Always have your child wear a helmet when bicycling.
  • Never leave your child unattended in a car or house.
  • Keep firearms out of the home or in a locked, out-of-sight container, unloaded.
  • Keep dangerous items out of reach, including knives, scissors, cleaning agents, etc.

Medicine Dosages

WEIGHT 24-35 lbs 36-47 lbs
Children’s Acetaminophen
(160 mg / 5 mL)
Can be given every four hours.
5 mL 7.5 mL
Children’s Ibuprofen
(100 mg / 5 mL)
Can be given every six hours.
*Dosage for Infant Ibuprofen differs
5 mL 7.5 mL
Do not exceed more than 4 doses in 24 hours.

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.

Influenza/Flu VIS

Covid-19 VIS

  1. Influenza/Flu
  2. Covid-19

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.

My son is grown into his own little person. He’s speaking in full sentences, running around exploring, and showing off his imagination. Watching him learn new things every day and developing his own personality makes me so proud. I love being his mom and seeing him doing so many amazing things.

When to Call Your Pediatrician

  • If your child has a fever.
  • If your child is vomiting.
  • If your child has diarrhea.
  • If your child has an unusual skin rash.
  • Any time you feel something is out of the ordinary.

From the Pediatric Blog

Addressing Picky Eating in Childhood: Solutions from Infancy to Teenage Years

Is your child a picky eater? Help them expand their food horizons by modeling adventurous eating, offering new foods multiple times, and involving them in food choices and cooking. Together, you can make mealtime fun and nutritious!

Emotional Growth Needed for Toilet Training

Ready to start toilet training? Recognize your child’s emotional readiness and use positive reinforcement to make the process smoother. Explore practical strategies for encouraging independence while fostering success in potty training.

Out with Time Outs, In With New Strategies

Explore the efficacy of redirection as a nuanced parenting strategy for addressing challenging behaviors in children in this article.