Child Health: Toddler 2 Years (Child Development Information) - Child Development

2 Years

PHYSICAL HEALTH
Growth. While your child's growth rate will almost certainly be slower than it was in the first year or two of life, you're likely to notice more than a few physical changes — from the loss of remaining baby fat to longer limbs and a leaner, taller appearance.

Colds and illnesses. Toddlers who spend a significant amount of time around other children — especially in day care — tend to be exposed to and catch more colds and intestinal viral illnesses than children who are cared for at home. All toddlers, however, are fairly likely to spend a good part of the year, especially during the fall and winter, sniffling, coughing, and fighting ear infections. In fact, the average two- to three-year-old tends to get an average of six to 10 illnesses a year. Be sure to discuss with your pediatrician (ahead of time, if possible) how you should handle fevers and the common cold, since they don't always warrant a trip to the doctor's office at this age.

Doctor visits. Pediatricians generally schedule well-child checkups once a year around the second and third birthdays. During these visits, pediatricians commonly weigh and measure, as well as check for age-appropriate developmental milestones — use of sentences, the ability to climb stairs, and the early interest in scribbling, for example.

Teeth. It is definitely time to schedule a visit with a dentist who is experienced in seeing children, if you haven't already. Between 2 and 3, your child's primary teeth will most likely finish coming in, and home dental care becomes even more important as you help your child establish good lifelong habits. Remember that this is the age of independence and let your child brush his own teeth before going over them yourself. Toothpaste isn't necessary at this stage, but if your toddler likes or insists on it, you can help to make sure that he only puts a very small amount onto the brush.

Safety. Not only should you make sure that dangerous household objects and products are kept safely out of reach, preferably in a locked cabinet, but you should also start teaching your child about safety. Instead of just stating the rules, make a point of discussing them why car seats and seatbelts are so important, why playing with scissors is not allowed, or why medicines should only be taken if your parents give them to you. Insist that your child wear a bike helmet from the day she starts riding anything with wheels.

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