EARLY CHILDHOOD: 2 Year 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:

• Pretend play and play alongside other children
• Have a favorite blanket or teddy bear
• Know 50 words; use 2-word phrases
• Follow 2-step commands
• Complete sentences and rhymes in favorite books
• Stack 5 or 6 blocks
• Throw a ball overhead
• Go up and down stairs one step at a time

What's Important for this Visit

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

• Language development: Talking and reading to help learn new words; being alert for hearing or vision problems

• Temperament and behavior: Helping your child learn to express emotions; spending one-on-one time with each of your children

• Toilet training: Recognizing readiness signs; encouraging use of the potty

• Television viewing: Limiting TV time; watching educational programs together

• Safety: Continuing to be alert for potential safety hazards; showing her good safety habits; using car seats and seat belts, keeping her safe from guns

The 2 Year Visit: What To Expect

Your health care provider will check your child from head to toe, checking eyes, mouth, etc.; 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: autism, blood test for lead, others as needed.

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