Pediatrics: Ashburn, Loudoun, Leesburg, Lansdowne, Broadlands,
Sterling, Cascades, Potomac Falls and Potomac Station:
General
Information for a 15 month old child:
Behavior
–
Allow your child to explore, but you may need to physically
remove your child from a dangerous situation. Rather than repeating
the word "No", try distracting your child. Limit setting is very
important at this age. This is a good time to introduce the use
of time out. However, reward good behavior.
Sun & Skin Precautions –
It is never too early to protect your baby from the sun. Using
a SPF of 15-30 is recommended. Cataracts are becoming increasingly
common leading some people to recommend early use of sunglasses.
In terms of insect repellants, never use more than 10% DEET on
your child’s skin. Have your child wear long sleeves when possible
and apply repellant to the clothes.
Healthy
habits –
Encourage reading and try to limit TV watching. It is time
to have a bedtime routine.
Development -
Most 15 month-old-babies can say about 3-10 words. They can feed
themselves with fingers. They can usually understand simple commands,
and point to 1 or 2 body parts. They can walk alone and creep
up stairs. Not all kids are ready for toilet training at the same
age; many are 18-24 months before they are ready to start. Only
75% are potty trained at age 3. It is a mistake to start too early
as this will lead to a fruitless battle of wills. Your child is
ready when they can feel the urge, communicate the urge, and then
control the urge. Language development is key to toilet training.
Diet
-
It is important to discourage the use of a bottle. Prolonged
use is associated with multiple caries and ear infections. Also,
prolonged use of a pacifier may lay the ground work for future
dental visits (braces). Expect a slump in your child's appetite
because at this age their rate of growth slows down. Allow your
child to use a spoon; expect a mess but this is how they learn.
Think about putting a shower curtain under the high chair if it
is too messy.
Safety
(Falls) –
Never underestimate your child’s ability to climb out of a crib.
Lower the mattress if necessary.
Water
-
Never leave your child unattended around water (pools, tubs, toilets,
and even buckets). Also take care around hot liquids (coffee cup).
Syrup
of Ipecac –
Have it available. Only give it if directed by the Poison
Control Center. 202-625-3333.
Car
Seat -
At 20lb it is time to have a forward facing car seat.
Vaccinations
Polio vaccine - It should not be given if your child is allergic to the antibiotics
neomycin, polymyxin, or streptomycin.
DTaP (Diptheria, Pertusis, and Tetnus) - Should not be given if your child has a newly diagnosed
seizure disorder. Can cause fever and redness.
HIB
(Haemophilis) - Can cause fever and redness. Prevents
serious cause of meningitis.
Varciella (Chicken Pox)
Not given if someone at home is immunocompromised (AIDS, Cancer
chemotherapy). Blisters may occur.
General
More Information of the vaccinations:
