Your Child's 2½-Year Checkup

Checkups are a way to make sure your child is growing properly and help you find out if there are any health problems. After the visit, make an appointment for your child's 3-year checkup.

• Eat together as a family as often as possible and include your child in the conversation at the table.

• Your child can eat many of the same foods as the rest of the family, as long as they don't have a food allergy.

• To help prevent choking:

  • Make sure your child is sitting while eating.

  • Avoid nuts, whole grapes and raisins, popcorn, hard candy, gum, thickly spread peanut butter, hard cheese, hard or raw fruits and vegetables, and hot dogs and sausages.

  • Cut all foods into small pieces (no bigger than ½ inch).

• Give your child about 16 ounces (480 ml) a day of low-fat (1%) or nonfat (skim) cow's milk. Include other calcium-rich foods in your child's diet, such as cheese; yogurt; and fortified juice, cereal, and bread.

• It's normal for kids this age to eat a lot at some meals and less at others and to want to eat the same foods over and over. Avoid struggling with your child about eating. Instead, offer healthy choices and let your child decide how much to eat.

• Limit foods and drinks that are high in sugar (such as soda and candy), salt, and fat (such as fried food).

• Kids don't need juice. It can lead to tooth decay and weight gain. If you serve juice, give your child no more than 4 ounces (120 ml) of 100% juice a day.

• Help your child get about 11–14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including naps.

• If your child is climbing out of the crib, move them to a toddler bed or a bed with safety rails.

• Children this age learn best by talking and playing with others and touching things in their world. Video chatting is OK, but if your child has other screen time:

  • Choose educational programming and apps.

  • View/play together when possible.

  • Limit screen time to less than 1 hour a day.

  • Do not allow a TV, computer, or smartphone in your child's bedroom.

• To help your child get ready for preschool:

  • Read together.

  • Talk with your child. Ask questions and give your child time to answer.

  • Give your child chances to play with other children.

• Set clear rules. If you need to tell your child "No," explain what you want them to do instead. Do not hit or spank your child.

• To help your child with toilet training:

  • Dress your child in clothing that can easily be removed when using the potty.

  • Encourage your child to try to use the potty about every 1–2 hours during the day.

  • Read to or sing with your child while they sit on the potty.

  • Praise your child and give a sticker when they use the potty.

  • Expect accidents and remember that it usually takes about 6 months for a child to be toilet trained. Do not punish your child for accidents.

• Build healthy family relationships:

  • Spend relaxed, fun time together.

  • Treat each other with respect.

  • Have family routines (for example, at mealtime and bedtime).

  • Have family traditions (such as birthday and holiday celebrations).

• Stay active as a family by visiting parks and playgrounds, taking walks, and playing games (such as "Follow the Leader" or "Ring Around the Rosie").

In the car:

• If your child has outgrown the rear-facing height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer, turn the car seat forward-facing. Keep the car seat in the back seat and continue to use the car seat harness.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions on installing and using the car seat, or go to a child safety seat check.

At home:

• Make your home safe:

  • Put gates at the top and bottom of stairs.

  • Put window guards on windows above the first floor.

  • Keep blinds, drapes, and cords out of your child's reach.

  • Be sure that all dressers, shelves, and TVs are attached to the wall.

  • Use a toy chest without a lid. Or if it has a lid, make sure it has safe hinges that hold the lid open.

  • Cover all outlets and keep any night-lights out of reach.

• Keep out of reach:

  • small objects such as toys, button batteries, and coins

  • plastic bags

  • medicines (keep in a locked cabinet, if possible)

  • cleaning supplies

  • anything that is hot, sharp, or breakable

• Put smoke and carbon monoxide alarms near all sleeping areas and on every level of your home.

• Have your child wear a helmet when riding a bike or trike, and while in a child carrier on an adult bike.

• Never leave your child alone if there is water nearby, including tubs, toilets, buckets, and pools. Empty water from tubs, buckets, and baby pools when done.

• Watch your child carefully around grills and open fires. Keep matches and lighters out of reach.

• Do not allow anyone to smoke around your child.

• A gun in the home increases the risk of accidents and injuries. If you do have a gun, keep it unloaded and locked up. Lock bullets separately from the gun.

• Only leave your child with responsible caregivers, and be sure to review safety information with them.

Prepare for emergencies:

• Take a first aid/CPR class. Be sure you know what to do if your child is choking.

• If you are ever worried that you will hurt your child, put your child in the crib or other safe space for a few minutes and call a friend, a relative, or your health care provider for help. Never shake your child — it can cause bleeding in the brain and even death.

• Get all immunizations and tests that your child's health care provider recommends.

• Take care of your child's teeth and gums:

  • Take your child to the dentist every 6 months.

  • Follow your health care provider's recommendations about using a fluoride coating (called a varnish) on your child's teeth.

  • If recommended, give fluoride drops at home.

  • Let your child brush their teeth (with your help) twice a day. Use a soft toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). Brush for about 2 minutes and encourage your child to spit after brushing.

  • As soon as two teeth touch, help your child floss between them every day.

  • If your child is thirsty between meals or at night, give water only. Do not let your child sip juice or milk throughout the day or in the crib or bed because this can cause tooth decay.

• In the sun, protect your child's skin with a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and re-apply every 2 hours or more often if swimming or sweating. It's best to keep your child in the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

• Your health care provider can tell you about help that is available in the community or through a social worker. Talk to your health care provider if you're worried that:

  • You don't have enough food for your child.

  • You don't have a safe place to live.

  • You don't have health insurance.

  • You have a problem with drugs or alcohol.

• Call your child's health care provider if you are worried about your child's health, growth, or development.