Pediatrics: Ashburn, Loudoun, Leesburg, Lansdowne, Broadlands,
Sterling, Cascades, Potomac Falls and Potomac Station:
General
Information for a 18 month old child:
Behavior
–
Be firm but reward good behavior. Encourage your child to explore,
but physically remove your child from a dangerous situation. Do
not keep saying "No", instead try distracting your child. Limit
Setting is very important. This is a good time to introduce the
use of time out. Your child will constantly surprise you with
new abilities. Play at this age is more parallel, they are not
ready for sharing quite yet.
Healthy
habits –
Try to encourage reading and try to limit TV watching. Introduce
your child to the library, and watch TV together. It is time to
have a bedtime routine. Give your child small chores.
Development
-
Most babies at this age can say about 4-10 words. They can
walk alone, and feed themselves with fingers and utensils. They
can often throw or kick a ball. They can usually understand simple
commands, and point to a few body parts. They like to scribble.
Many kids are ready for toilet training or will be within a few
months. Your child is ready when the can feel the urge, communicate
the urge, and then control the urge. Language development is key
to toilet training. The one day method is to feed your child salty
chips and apple juice all day so they have the need to go frequently,
and reward them with M&Ms everytime they to go.
Diet
-
The bottle should be just about gone, if you continue the
use of the bottle your child is at risk for developing multiple
dental caries. Avoid mealtime struggles. Your child does not need
many calories at this age and will eat when he or she gets hungry.
Safety
(Foreign Bodies) –
Children unexpectedly swallow dangerous things at this age.
Foreign bodies also wind up in the lungs, nose and ears. Be careful
of your child’s environment.
Burns
-
Be careful not to allow your child to touch a hot oven or stove.
Hot liquids or foods near table edges are a frequent cause of
burns. Children will tip hot pots off of the stove and pull hot
foods down by pulling at tablecloths. Coffee and tea are also
a source of burns.
General
-
Children love to climb. Secure bookshelves and appliances to the
walls. Curtain and appliance cords should be out of reach. Lock
poisonous substances in cabinets. The poison control center’s
number should be handy. Gates should be placed near stairs, and
windows should be secured. Tables with sharp edges should be removed
or padded. Plastic bags are a potential suffocation hazard.
Vaccinations
Hepatitis
A -Prevents a common cause of serious hepatitis
General
More Information of the vaccinations:
