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Growth and Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months
- Overview
-
Health Tools
- What to Expect
- Common Concerns
- Promoting Healthy Growth and Development
- When to Call a Doctor
- Routine Checkups
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
Routine checkups, sometimes called well-child visits, usually occur at 12, 15, 18, and 24 months. During the checkup, the doctor:
- Measures the child's weight and height and around his or her head (head circumference). These measurements are plotted on a growth chart to make sure your child is growing as expected.
- Physically examines your child. Usually this includes looking at your child's eyes and ears, testing your child's reflexes, looking at the genital area, listening to his or her heart, and possibly observing the way your child walks.
- Reviews your child's
immunization record to make sure it is current. Your
child generally receives one or more shots at well-child visits up to age 2.
Bring your child's
immunization record
(What is a PDF document?) to each visit. It may help to learn some
comforting techniques to help your child during
immunizations. For more information, see the topics: - Talks with your child, asking simple questions to test hearing and language abilities. For example, the doctor may ask your child to name or point to a body part.
- Watches how your child interacts with you for clues about his or her emotional and social development. At ages 18 months and 24 months, the doctor may specifically check for signs of autism.
Routine checkups are a good time to ask any questions or
to discuss growth and development issues. Also, talk about your child's new
skills, such as walking, using a spoon, or combining words. It may help you to
go to your child's checkup with a prepared
list of questions (What is a PDF document?).
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 3, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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