Child's Well Visit, 24 Months: Care Instructions

Two-year-olds are often curious and full of energy. Your child may want to open every drawer, test how things work, and often test your patience. Help your toddler through this exciting year by giving love and setting limits.

Keeping your child safe

• Always use a car seat. Install it in the back seat.
• Watch your child around water, including bathtubs.
• Know which foods cause choking, like grapes and hot dogs.
• Keep hot items out of your child's reach to avoid burns.
• Put sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on your child.

Making your home safe

• Cover electrical outlets, and lock windows.
• Check smoke detectors once a month.
• Change to a toddler bed if your child climbs out of the crib.
• If you live in a place that was built before 1978, it may have lead paint. Tell your doctor.
• Keep guns away from children. If you have guns, lock them up unloaded. Lock ammunition away from guns.

Parenting your child

• Let your child do things without help, like getting dressed.
• Know the things your child can't do, such as sitting still for a long time.
• Try to ignore whining and other behavior that isn't harmful.
• Help your child brush their teeth every day. Use a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Try to read to your child every day.

Getting vaccines

Make sure your child gets all the recommended vaccines.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.