In this second episode of Season 2, Dr. Carole Keim discusses what to expect at the 18 month stage. Your baby is a toddler now, and showing ever more personality, and Dr. Keim has advice on everything from tantrums to sleep.Dr. Keim addresses what social and motor development looks like at this age. Your baby will want to play with you and they understand a lot more language than their few words would have you believe. She talks about the “terrible twos” and shares ways to avoid tantrums. She addresses sleep and what bed your baby should sleep in at 18 months. How should teeth brushing go? How do you navigate potty training? What are major safety concerns to address? Dr. Keim has insight on all these questions and more in this episode.In this episode….Social development and languageMotor developmentBehaviorDigital mediaSleepNutritionTeethEliminationSafetySkin care, bathing, sun protection18mo CheckupSocial development: 00:40Engaging with others for playHelp with dressing and undressingPoints at pictures in booksShows things to parents by pointing or bringing objectsLooks at parent if something new happensCan scoop with spoonStarts using words to ask for helpCan identify 2 body partsCan name 5 objects Stranger anxiety starts getting better, but separation anxiety starts getting worseFollow simple instructions and love to help outParents: encourage use of language by naming what you see, talk and sing to child, use words to describe feelings and emotionsMotor development: 04:30Can run, kick a ballWalks up stairs by doing step-together and while holding a handCan sit in a small chairWalks around with toysScribbleThrow a ball Behavior: 06:10Terrible two’s start now - they know how to use “no”Offer 2 suitable choices as often as possible throughout the day.  Let them choose how things get done.They have a hard time expressing preferences; pretty good with needs Modify their environment to avoid conflict; plan ahead for new and difficult situationsHitting and biting are attempts to communicate - teach them how to communicate effectively Anticipate anxiety/clinging in new situationsSpend at least 10-15 minutes in child-led playPrepare child for new sibling by reading books, getting them a dollDigital media: 14:14Promote reading, physical activity, and play with non-electronic toysMake time for play every dayNo screens for at least 2 hours before bedtime; instead plan on tech-free play, bath, readingUse methods other than screens to calm them down: distraction, removing trigger, going outside, addressing needs like hunger/sleepIf you do use digital media, choose high quality programs/apps and use them together: PBS kids, Daniel TigerLimit viewing to less than 1 hour per dayBe mindful of your own screen use; make a plan for family media useAvoid having TV on in the background, especially during meals Sleep: 17:5510-14h at night, 0-1 nap per day.  In crib in their own room; consider moving to toddler bed when it’s ok for them to get out of bed (walking independently, able to safely get to your room and wake you up)Night waking is normal; reassure briefly, offer stuffed animal or blanket so they can self-consoleLifehack while potty training: layer sheets and chucks Blankets ok; no pillows til age 2No food or drinks in bedNo electronic devices in the bedroom (TV, tablet)Nutrition: 20:573 meals and 2-3 snacks per day at the same time as the familyOffer a variety of foods and textures Encourage self feeding and use of utensils Use a cup for water; offer water with all meals and snacksShould be eating greens daily; ok to have meat; supplement with iron if not eating greens daily or red meat 3x per weekYou determine when child eats and what is offered, but allow child to decide how much to eat (many toddlers graze).  They are typically not picky and want to try new foods at this age.Less than 24oz of milk per day, less than 4oz juice (ideally NO juice)Teeth: 25:10Brush teeth BID with small smear of fluoride toothpasteThey should see a dentist 1-2x per yearElimination: 26:09Typical age to start potty training - start noticing them hiding to poop or anticipate when they will go, they know and tell you when they’ve peed/pooped, they can pull pants up/downTypically voiding at least 6x per day, stooling 1-2x per dayIf baby is constipated: first increase water intake, increase fiber (fruit and veggies), then consider prune juice or pear juice 2oz 1-2x per day.  If not enough, talk to your doctor about miralax.Can start potty training by putting toddler on potty after eating and upon wakingIf toddler is resistant to potty training, can start with sitting while clothed and entertain them with a book or toy, then sitting with pants and diaper offRead books about using the pottyCan keep the potty in your bathroom and try going at the same time - they love to mimic adults at this ageStart boys sitting on the toilet; they can stand later.  Standing too early can lead to constipation.  Potty signal: songsSafety: 33:13Childproof the house - outlet covers, stairway gates, barriers around space heaters, cleaning products locked away, electrical cords out of reach, gates around pools, small and sharp objects out of reachDon’t take medicines in front of children - they will learn that you’re supposed to open those bottles and put things in your mouth out of themSet water temp to 120’F Avoid secondhand smokeRear facing car seat until age 2, make sure everyone in the car is using a seat beltDon’t leave heavy objects or hot liquids on tablecloths or coffee table Save poison control number in your phone Remove guns from the home or keep them locked and unloaded in a safeMake a fire escape plan with the family, check smoke detectors often Skin care: 37:38Bathe as often as they get dirty (daily)Can use lotion; many have started outgrowing eczema by nowUse sunblock if spending more than 30 mins outside, apply 30 mins before you go outside, and use SPF 30 or higher.  Also use a hat, sun protection clothing (long sleeve swim shirts)Insect repellant that is safe for babies 18mo Checkup: 39:05Expect them to be clingy and sad if you leave them on the tableFull head-to-toe examRoutine vaccines at this visit; should be all caught up now until age 4!Next checkups at age 2, 2.5, and 3 yearsResources discussed in this episode:The Baby Manual - Available on Amazon--Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram

Ver todos los episodios