Medical care and your 1- to -2 year old

The toddler months continue to bring the medical challenges of colds, cuts, bruises, and other minor emergencies.

But you'll also find yourself dealing with an emerging personality and increasing conflicts. The new ability to walk means your child can now become more independent — and might like to flaunt it!

Some doctors have their own schedule for well-child visits, but most see kids four times, at 12, 15, 18, and 24 months. If your toddler has missed any immunizations, or if a problem has been detected that needs special attention, additional visits may be scheduled.

What to Expect During the Office Visit

The well-child visits during your child's second year are similar to those before, although discussions with your doctor about behavior and habits may become more detailed as your toddler grows.

Expect these common procedures and questions:

• Measurement of your child's length, weight, and head circumference. Growth will be plotted on the growth chart, and you'll be advised of your toddler's progress. A physical examination checking for normal function of the eyes, ears, heart, lungs, abdomen, heart, hands and feet, etc. The doctor may look in your child's mouth for new teeth and signs for the appearance of others.
• A review of your toddler's physical and emotional development through both observation and your progress report. Is your tot trying or starting to walk? Recognizing his or her own name? By age 2, following simple instructions? Saying a few words? Combining two words by age 2? The doctor may ask you these questions and others like them.
• The doctor may go over safety questions such as: Have you childproofed your home? (You'll need to review yourbabyproofing efforts now that your toddler can stand and reach.) Is your tot in an appropriate safety seat while riding in the car?
• A discussion of your child's eating habits. Is he or she eating more and more table foods? Interested in finger foods on the high-chair tray? Using a cup? Being weaned from the breast or bottle? Most doctors advise a switch from bottle to cup by the first birthday to be sure the bottle doesn't interfere with normal tooth development, and to avoid a struggle with a determined toddler later on. Sleeping with a bottle of juice or milk will only lead to cavities now.
  
  Also, after their first birthday most kids can have foods that were off-limits before, such as cow's milk, citrus fruits, and eggs. Your doctor will discuss these additions with you.
• Advice on what to expect in the coming months.
• Your child will receive immunizations during some visits.

If they haven't already, kids this age might undergo a tuberculin skin test, especially those at risk for tuberculosis. You'll be given instructions on how to monitor the test and report results to the doctor's office. Your child may also have a hemoglobin screen to check for anemia, and if you are in a high-risk area, a screen to check for lead poisoning.

Address any questions or concerns you have, and write down any specific instructions the doctor gives you regarding special care. Keep updating your child's permanent medical record, listing information on growth and any problems or illnesses.