2 Years

Tests:

• At the two year doctor's visit, children receive a blood test to screen for anemia and lead exposure. If there are any problems, your doctor will notify you within a few weeks.

Safety:

Nutrition:

Development:

• Always use a car seat in the back seat of your car.
• Always supervise your child near any water: the bathtub, a pool, a lake, the shore.
• Install window guards or other safety devices on your windows. Two-year olds are curious and may explore a window: their body weight is sufficient to break through a screen.
• Maintain a smoke-free home and car, and avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.
• Keep all medicines, matches, and firearms safely out of reach and locked up. Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.

• Two-year olds may be picky and erratic eaters. They may eat one "real" meal a day, plus two to four little meals. Their mealtime is short – sometimes two to three minutes. They may eat only four to five foods consistently; this is normal. Look at your child's diet over a two-week period to make sure it is nutritious.
• Fruits and vegetables are interchangeable at this point. Don't worry if your child does not eat vegetables as long as he/she is eating fruit. Continue to offer the veggies, but don't despair if few are eaten.
• Your child should drink primarily milk or water. Avoid fruit juice: if you offer it at all, water it down. Juices are not nutritious and lead children to develop a "sweet tooth."
• Switch to 2% milk. Your child is mature enough to need less fat in his/her diet. It is not time for skim milk.
• Never offer soda. Limit access to candy and salty snacks. The longer you can avoid junk food, the better.
• Brush your child's teeth twice daily and begin using a pea-sized amount of fluoride containing toothpaste. If your child will cooperate, schedule a dental visit.

• You've reached the "terrific twos!" This is an exciting year!
• Your little one is learning to really communicate. By two, most children will have two-word sentences such as "Mommy up." Children still exhibit a wide range of development in language. Some toddlers will have long sentences. Some are just starting to speak. Most two-year olds will have fifty words or more. They are able to understand more than they can express.
• This is a year of "mine," "I do it," and "No!" It is normal and healthy for two-year olds to exert their will and to want things their way. They are starting to realize that they are separate people. However, this new independence sometimes makes a two-year old scared; when this happens, children may become clingy and whiny.
• Tantrums are normal. Children may get frustrated when they can't have things their way, or if they are tired, hungry, and over-stimulated. The best thing to do with a tantrum is to ignore it as much as you can. Pay attention to whether your child is hungry or tired, and realize when your child has reached his/her limit and needs some down time.
• This is a time to set limits. Children need to know and learn limits; they feel safer if limits are consistent and clear. Your two-year old may have a fit when you say "No" – that is normal. Save your "No" for the important things. In other situations, distract or remove your child from a tempting situation.
• Two-year olds have unlimited energy. This is normal and not a sign of hyperactivity. They often need to do a lot of big motor activity like running, climbing, and jumping. Get outside and allow your child to play.
• A big issue for this age is toilet training. In our culture, we tend to train children once they are verbal enough to understand the concept of "holding" their urine or feces. When your child can understand what it means to "hold it in," get a children's toilet seat and some fun books about going to the "potty." Your child will give you signs when he/she is ready. Children may run and hide when they are "pooping" or they may come to you and say "pee pee," etc. Watch for signs that your child is interested and ready to begin toilet training.
• Limit TV and videos. Although most children are fascinated with TV, watching TV has no proven benefit and many negative factors. Many children's videos can be scary for young children. Limit watching TV and video to less than one hour a day. Your child will benefit from playing, looking at books, and listening to stories and music instead of passively watching TV. Too much passive time watching TV can contribute to childhood obesity.

Next visit: when your child is three years old.