From speaking their first words to taking their first steps, the early years of a child’s life are filled with important milestones. Reaching these stages and checking that your child is on track is a crucial part of well-child checkups for infants and toddlers. By visiting your Cumming pediatrician, you can ensure your child is healthy and developing according to expected milestones.
Why a Toddler Well Check Visit at Age 2 Matters
A toddler will have experienced significant physical, behavioral and cognitive growth by age two. Let’s look at why a well-child checkup at 24 months is beneficial.
Check Developmental Milestones
Toddlers undergo rapid changes around the age of two, and parents are often surprised by the changes in language and mobility. During the checkup, the pediatrician will monitor developmental changes, looking for signs of delays in language, motor skills and social behaviors.
Monitor Behavioral Changes
Most parents are aware of “the terrible twos,” but regular mood changes and tantrums may still cause worry. Your pediatrician will discuss these behavioral changes and can detect any sign of a potential disorder. While tantrums are common at age two, parents can still benefit from strategies to manage them.
Complete Growth Measurements
During a toddler well check visit at two years old, your child’s growth will be monitored. Measuring weight and height can help reveal health, nutritional or developmental concerns before long-term health is affected. By comparing measurements from previous well-child visits, your pediatrician can also confirm that development is on track.
Ensure Vaccinations Are Up-to-Date
By the 24-month stage, children should have been vaccinated against hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus and various other illnesses. Checking that all vaccines are up-to-date protects a child from common diseases affecting toddlers.
Screen for Any Concerns
As a toddler becomes more social, parents may become aware of differences in their child’s development when compared to peers. The 2-year-old checkup is an opportunity to discuss any concerns with your pediatrician. When there are concerning signs, it may be necessary to screen for autism spectrum disorder and other conditions.
Provide Nutritional Guidance
By age two, a child may be comfortable with a varied diet and willing to try new things. If you need more clarification about food choices and portion sizes, your pediatrician can address these questions and help develop a good nutritional plan.
Build a Medical History
Ongoing pediatric well-child services are crucial for a child’s health and development. Attending these scheduled visits helps build a medical history, making it easier to identify areas of concern.
Schedule Your Two-Year Old Well-Child Checkup at Vickery Pediatrics in Cumming
Vickery Pediatrics is a trusted pediatric office serving families in Cumming, Buford, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Forsyth County. If you need assistance with sick care, well-child checks, developmental concerns and other pediatric services, contact us today. Call (678) 990-2501 or request an appointment now.
