EARLY CHILDHOOD: 18 Month Visit

Getting Ready for this Visit

Write down your questions. Share your child's new accomplishments and fully participate in this visit as a partner in your child's health.

Children with special needs: Discuss how things are going for you and your child—concerns, needs, or support services. If she is in Early Intervention, bring your Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Mention treatments or visits to specialists, and home visits.

At this age, your child may:

• Explore surroundings—but still check in with you
• Show affection easily
• Speak 6 words
• Point to wanted objects or people
• Point to body parts
• Pretend play with a favorite doll or stuffed animal
• Walk up steps, run
• Stack 2 or 3 blocks

What's Important for this Visit

YOUR questions and concerns are the #1 priority! Your health care provider may also discuss:

• Communication and Social Development: Having fun as a family; time for your interests; having another child

• Child development and behavior: Helping your child learn new skills

• Language promotion/hearing: Helping your child learn new words and concepts

• Toilet training readiness: Learning the signs that your child may be ready in the months to come

• Safety: Keeping your home safe; teaching safety habits; preventing gun-related tragedies

The 18 Month Visit: What To Expect

Your health care provider will check your child from head to toe, checking eyes, skin, mouth, and how he moves; measure height, weight, and head size; ask questions to see how your child is developing; ask about changes in your family. Carry out screening tests: development, autism, others as needed.

• Immunizations: See chart for any needed at this age.