2 Year Well Visit

Talk about and describe pictures in books and the things you see and hear together.
Parent-child play, where the child leads, is the best way to help toddlers learn to talk.
Read to your child every day.
Your child may love hearing the same story over and over.
Ask your child to point to things as you read.
Stop a story to let your child make an animal sound or finish a part of the story.
Use correct language; be a good model for your child.
Talk slowly and remember that it may take a while for your child to respond.

It is better for toddlers to play than watch TV.
Limit TV to 1–2 hours or less each day.
Watch TV together and discuss what you see and think.
Be careful about the programs and advertising your young child sees.
Do other activities with your child such as reading, playing games, and singing.
Be active together as a family. Make sure your child is active at home, at child care, and with sitters.

Be sure your child’s car safety seat is correctly installed in the back seat of all vehicles.
All children 2 years or older, or those younger than 2 years who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car safety seat, should use a forward- facing car safety seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.
Everyone should wear a seat belt in the car. Do not start the vehicle until everyone is buckled up.
Never leave your child alone in your home or yard, especially near cars, without a mature adult in charge.
When backing out of the garage or driving in the driveway, have another adult hold your child a safe distance away so he is not run over.
Keep your child away from moving machines, lawn mowers, streets, moving garage doors, and driveways.
Have your child wear a good-fitting helmet on bikes and trikes.
Never have a gun in the home. If you must have a gun, store it unloaded and locked with the ammunition locked separately from the gun.

Signs of being ready for toilet training
- Dry for 2 hours
- Knows if she is wet or dry
- Can pull pants down and up
- Wants to learn
- Can tell you if she is going to have a bowel movement
Plan for toilet breaks often. Children use the toilet as many as 10 times each day.
Help your child wash her hands after toileting and diaper changes and before meals.
Clean potty chairs after every use.
Teach your child to cough or sneeze into her shoulder. Use a tissue to wipe her nose.
Take the child to choose underwear when she feels ready to do so.

Praise your child for behaving well.
It is normal for your child to protest being away from you or meeting new people.
Listen to your child and treat him with respect. Expect others to as well.
Play with your child each day, joining in things the child likes to do.
Hug and hold your child often.
Give your child choices between 2 good things in snacks, books, or toys.
Help your child express his feelings and name them.
Help your child play with other children, but do not expect sharing.
Never make fun of the child’s fears or allow others to scare your child.
Watch how your child responds to new people or situations.

What to Expect at Your Child’s 21/₂ Year Visit