Today I want to share with you a little about what to expect at your little one's 2 year well baby or as I like to call it, your well toddler visit to the doctor. I myself just had my very own visit and it was an experience. Mommy's photos were taken using her cell phone so don't expect high quality photos today.
The first thing once you check in with your doctor at the reception desk, you will more than likely be given a little check list to fill out. On that paper you will be asked lots of questions. Here is a few of them that will more than likely be on there.
- How much milk does your toddler drink on a daily basis? - apparently we really only need about 24 ounces of milk. We do need the calcium but we can also get that from cheese and yogurt.
- How much fruits and veggies does your toddler eat? Mommy found out that 100% juice is good but the doctor prefers your little one actually eating the fruit.
- Can your toddler say 50 - 100 words? No I cannot and there's nothing wrong with your little one not saying 50 - 100 words. Now if your little one doesn't understand basic 2 step commands now you may need to worry.
Now although those questions are on the form, your doctor will once again ask you those very same questions. Kinda defeats the purpose of filling out that questionnaire don't you think?
Well before you get to see the doctor you will be weighed and measured. You doctor wants to know that you have grown correctly since the last time they saw you, both in height and weight. I needed to be proportionate, not quite like Barbie but a big jump or decline, especially in my weight might be need for concern. Luckily everything was good.
Even my big head was measured. I'm not joking when I say that my head is big either. The average head circumference for a toddler girl is about 20 inches and mine was 24. I was in the 84th percentile according to my doctor. Not to worry, I'll grow into it eventually.
Now it was time to see my doctor after getting all my measurements taken care of. The doctor once again asked the same questions that mommy answered on her questionnaire along with a few others such as:
- Does your toddler sleep through the night? What about naps?
- How much TV does your little one watch throughout the day?
- What does your toddler eat? Does it include protein? If not then your doctor would give her recommendations. Since I'm not a big fan of meat, it was recommended that mommy introduce Greek Yogurt which would help with my protein intake.
- Are you potty training? Since each child is different it was also recommended that mommy follow my queues.
According to my doctor, I can now be disciplined and mommy needs to be consistent. Yeah right! Even if mommy was consistent, daddy is a softie so I will always get away with stuff.
After all the question asking and answering your doctor will now perform her own little exam. She listens to your heart and then also does a physical exam. It's also your turn to ask all the questions that you want to ask because the next time you see your doctor may be a year from now. That is unless your little one gets sick.
If you're worried about whether your little one will receive vaccinations at this stage, don't worry about it. Unless you missed your previous vaccinations there will be no vaccines until the age of 4. I did receive my flu shot since we are in the middle of the flu season. At age 2 your little one can receive the flu-mist which is recommended for ages 2 - 49. Since I wasn't feeling well mommy decided on the shot instead. I am such a big girl I didn't even shed a tear.
Des has a big head too! It's always in the 70-80th percentile! And his height is too, but his weight is more like 50th. Oh you two are your big brains are so meant to be!
ReplyDeleteAnd I find comfort in this because Des is still five months from being two and he does understand two step commands and he probably does know 50-100 words but he still says, "Mama" 7,000 times a day. I think if he finally met you, he'd say "Madison" 8,000 times a day.
Awww Tamara, I think we were really meant to be and not just because you said so. We do have so much in common! I do understand more than 100 words I'm sure but I just don't say them. I can actually say "you're annoying" as clear as can be and I understand more than 2 step commands. "Mommy" is my word of the day just like Des' "Mama". ♥ Madison
DeleteI'm actually surprised your doctor was willing to vaccinate even when your child was sick. This is probably one of my biggest pet peeves with most doctors. Even the vaccine companies themselves recommend not administering a shot to a child who is sick :(
ReplyDeleteHi Beth it is perfectly safe to give the flu shot even when your sick. Now if you're sick to the point of hospitalization then it is recommended that you wait. Mommy is a medic so if it wasn't safe she wouldn't have given it to me. The flu shot is actually optional and the benefits do outweigh the risks. ♥ Madison
DeleteThat is a really great post for those planning on taking their own toddlers to their 2 year visit. Now they have an idea of what to expect. Madison your big head means that you have a big brain, which also means that you're very smart. You may not be able to say 100 words as yet but I know you'll be talking up a storm in no time!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tiffany. I'm glad to hear that big head means big brains. I thought it meant that I needed to grow into it. :) ♥ Madison
DeleteWe just had my daughters 2 month well check. I like your idea for this post!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lolo. I do know that mommy wants to do a pediatric vaccination check list. That might be helpful for everyone. ♥ Madison
DeleteI love how you wrote this :) Very cute and informative!
ReplyDeleteThank you Chelsea. I do appreciate you taking the time to read it. ♥ Madison
DeleteThanks for the memories of when my boys were little. Now that they are 6 & 9, they don't have to do most of that and of course, the questions are completely different - oh, and they can answer themselves now ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Robin. You may not have to answer much questions at that age but there are a few vaccines coming up for them soon as well. ♥ Madison
Deletecute! glad your visit wasn't bad. My son is almost 3 and the "terrible two" thing is just kicking in on certain days!
ReplyDeleteOh that dreadful terrible two's huh? I guess with you it can be called the terrible three's. Lets just wait and see when mine will decide to kick in. ♥ Madison
DeleteWhat a wonderful post on what to expect and make notes on what to ask!
ReplyDeleteReady for your terrible twos!
Thank you. I am so ready but I'm not sure if mommy is ready as yet. Maybe it will sneak up on her and surprise her. ♥ Madison
DeleteBringing back the memories! My son will turn 5 in July, yet it seems like only yesterday we were at his 2 year check up!
ReplyDeleteOh mommy says the same thing. It seemed like yesterday I was at my 1 year check up. Time does fly doesn't it? Enjoy the year with him while you can and don't forget to do fun stuff! ♥ Madison
DeleteThis is a great post for new parents and parents to be. I know as a new parent I was always wondering what would happen at my child's annual appointments.
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley, I think that's how most parents are when it's "new" even if you've had babies before. ♥ Madison
DeleteYou bring back memories of when my kids were two. Both of them we not happy campers when the doctor started checking them out. Priceless memories! You did good Madison! Three year checkup is even easier!
ReplyDeleteOh I can't wait for 3 years. No more shots until I'm 4. Since I only had to get the flu vaccine I was great! ♥ Madison
Deletei miss having a two year old I will be the mother of a 14 year old soon
ReplyDeleteMy big brother is 13 so I know what living in the house with a teenager is like. He can be mean sometimes to me and tells me to get out of his room. ♥ Madison
DeleteOh boy oh boy - I don't really miss the doctor's visits at that age, our daughter did not like them at all! Actually she still doesn't like to get the shots and has a melt down when she needs vaccinations and she'll be 18 in April, LOL!
ReplyDeleteOh no one likes shots. My big brother is scared of them. I didn't even feel this one because mommy held my hand and was talking to me at the time. ♥ Madison
DeleteSounds like a successful check up! Good job being a big girl when it was time for the flu shot!
ReplyDeleteIt really was a success! Yes I am getting to be a big girl and hopefully at my next visit I'll be even better. ♥ Madison
DeleteAh, I remember the terrible twos, toddlers are so busy getting into everything and exploring their world. You have shared some valuable information of what moms can expect at their childs 2 year visit.
ReplyDeleteOh yes the terrible two's. I don't think it exists. From what I heard it really starts at age 3. ♥ Madison
DeleteWow, didn't shed a tear! My second daughter was always tough like that and my first always cried like a baby. It probably had something to do with my fear too!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah I'm the big strong one. I'm stronger than my siblings. They cry just seeing the needle. ♥ Madison
DeleteMy 3 year old didn't start this terrible twos until a month before his third birthday. Here, we call them terrible 3s! You did a great job at your 2 year old checkup. My kiddo cried during his shots. :(
ReplyDeleteThank you Kecia, I really do think that's when it starts. My two's has been peaches and cream so far. ♥ Madison
DeleteThis is great info for people who are headed to that milestone. I totally agree that comprehension is more important than saying the words. That will come!
ReplyDeleteI so agree Liz. I may not be able to say it but I totally understand what is being said. My comprehension skills is through the roof, just don't know how to express myself yet. I'll get there eventually. ♥ Madison
DeleteGlad the check out went well!! Big heads mean big brains right??
ReplyDeleteOh it really does Mommy B! The bigger the better right? ♥ Madison
DeleteSo happy your visit went well. I too have a toddler and he has melt downs at the "Just one more store" too. Must be hard for you little ones.
ReplyDeleteOh so you're one of those mommy's too. Yeah don't ever go into that "just one more store", us little kids don't like it. ♥ Madison
DeleteI forgot what those visits used to be like. Now I hardly have to say anything during the visits!
ReplyDeleteMommy is hoping that day will come soon where she doesn't have to say anything either. ♥ Madison
DeleteMadison, I completely agree that you are perfect. My kids have been in "one more store" several times. And my husband is the big softie in our family too.
ReplyDeleteYou're supposed to stop at the store before "just one more store". That store will be there tomorrow, I promise! Yeah daddies are awesome! ♥ Madison
DeleteA big head just means big brain!! :) My kids all got shots at their 2 year visit... They must do a different schedule at my dr? Glad she didn't have to get shots, those are never fun!!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, they must have. According to my doctor you're supposed to get them at 18 months. If you didn't get them at that time, they can then do the make up shots at age 2. ♥ Madison
DeleteWe will have our 18 month visit in a month, but it is good to know what the 24 month visit looks like. I'm glad that Madison is a healthy little girl!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ave. The 18 month visit is the one where you get the rest of your shots. Not a good visit for me then. I got 4 and was not a happy camper. ♥ Madison
DeleteWe had our 2 year old checkup and it was easy as pie also. My daughter is very low on height but Dr said no worries on that she is growing steadily. The hubbies and i are not real tall so we are not surprised she is short stuff!
ReplyDeleteHi Bekki, daddy and mommy are tall so I'm good with height but I've always been skinny. Since it's my norm my doctor wasn't too worried about me. She says that I'm growing healthy as well. Happy that your daughter is too. ♥ Madison
DeleteMy little one is 8 months old, so knowing what is coming up at these visits is super helpful! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Megan. You should be expecting a visit in about 4 months with your little one. ♥ Madison
DeleteOh the memories! I was not a fan of the shots and neither were my kids.
ReplyDeleteIt was tough on mommy at first, especially at my 6 week visit. Now it's getting so much better. ♥ Madison
DeleteI would have no idea what to expect at such a time, really intresting all the things they look at and check. x
ReplyDeleteYes they do look at a lot to make sure that you're growing well and it's good to know that I am. ♥ Madison
DeleteI remember how excited I was that my little ones were growing healthy and strong. They are 12 and 16 now
ReplyDeleteThose are good years. I have a 13 year old brother and 17 year old sister so not too far in age from yours. They are also healthy and strong too. ♥ Madison
DeleteGosh...I barely remember when mine was 2 years old. Those checkups are so fun though - minus the shots of course.
ReplyDeleteEverything is always fun minus the shots although this time I didn't mind getting it. At least I know I'm now protected from the flu. ♥ Madison
DeleteInteresting information! I'm a nurse so it's always interesting to see the patient's perspective.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome Paige. You and my mommy are in the same field. She's a medic so you both take care of people. ♥ Madison
DeleteMy son didn't say 50 words at 2. He didn't even say three words by that age. He had a speech delay and really didn't start talking until he was almost three. He's 8 now and doesn't stop talking, so it's all good! Everyone talks at their own pace.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to have Guidelines, but to also remember every child learns at different stages and doesn't mean that they will suffer later. My middle child, for example, barely spoke until age 3 or 4 then he wouldn't stop and today he is a honor roll student. He had zero interest in learning anything, while he does have a mood disorder, I can also say it's similar to my now five year old son's progress and he too is an honor roll comparable (kinder grades weird) student!
ReplyDeleteI think this is important information for parents. I actually have to schedule my own boys appointments for their yearly physical soon.
ReplyDeleteYou brought back memories of doing same with my twins... Vaccines, Terrible Twos... bribes and more. Madison is doing great.
ReplyDeleteWill re-tweet this for you as I commented above. :-)
ReplyDeleteI remember those doctor's visits from so many years ago with my little ones. I am glad your baby is doing well.
ReplyDeleteWow, I can barely remember the 2 year visit, it was so long ago! This is really great information that you've shared. Yay for taking that flu shot like a big girl! I'm glad the checkup went so well!
ReplyDeleteIt says I made a comment already but I don't think I ddi!
ReplyDeleteBUT< I wanted to say it has been great watching Madison grow up over the past 6 or so months. TIme flies!
I have had two kids one has just recently turned two as well. I don't fall for that terrible two wives tale junk. Because children in my opinion are only express themselves and its our job to act as guides for them. She is is soooooo freaking cute btw.
ReplyDeleteI bawled every time I got a shot as a kid! I can't wait to start TTC-ing my first child :)
ReplyDeleteThis post was great. I've honestly completely forgotten about what happens at these visits and having this reminder was great! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteKiddos grow so fast!! I feel like yesterday my son was 2 ... and now he's 10! Where does time go?!
ReplyDeleteSweet girl! I'm glad that Madison had a wonderful check-up. Kids grow too fast, don't they?!
ReplyDeleteMy boys all have big heads. Like their daddy. ;) I don't remember appointments when mine were little that didn't have shots- lucky!
ReplyDeleteAwwwww! What a trying experience for you! Shots are no fun at all!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great overview, thank you! I think you're quite tall for a 2-year-old, you go, girl!
ReplyDelete