Feeding
Your toddler should be getting 20 -24 ounces of whole milk in a cup each day. Limit juice to about 6 ounces a day. Continue to eat meals as a family. Offer 2-3 nutritious (fruits, veggies, whole grains) snacks between meals. Your child’s appetite may vary from day to day.
Continue to introduce new foods to your child. Avoid “choke foods” and big fish like tuna and shark.
Oral Health
Use a toothbrush to clean your child’s teeth using only water or infant tooth and gum cleaner. Your baby should be getting fluoride, either from your tap water or as a prescription supplement.
Sleep
As your child shows more independence, resistance to bedtime may increase. Continue with a night time routine, including putting him or her to bed in their sleep space awake. Many parents choose to introduce a toddler bed between 18 and 24 months of age.
Night terrors- a sleeping child screams out in the middle of the night while still sleeping- are common at this age.
Safety
Eighteen month olds can get into just about anything, so re-examine the safety of your home. Be sure your water heater is set at 120F, limit access to “drowning risk” water such as toilets, tubs, pools. Continue to supervise closely. Use sunscreen daily. Check car seat to be sure it’s installed properly; your child should remain in a rear facing car seat until the age of two. Check window guards or open windows form top only. Check function of smoke detectors. Maintain a smoke free environment. Use bike helmets. Be sure poisons, medicines, matches, weapons are locked up. New Hampshire’s poison control number is 1800 222 1222.
Activities
Encourage your child to be self expressive and make his or her own choices, while suggesting acceptable alternatives when appropriate. Listen to your toddler and show respect and interest for their ideas. Read interactively with your child. Continue to snuggle and cuddle with your child. Limit TV.
Sharing may be very difficult for an eighteen month old; allow for toys that are “not to be shared”.
Allow time for yourself and time with your partner.
Behavior
Have a few but consistent rules. Allow assertiveness within limits, but no aggressive behavior. Keep discipline brief. Never hit your child or scold excessively. Praise good behaviors. Help your toddler express joy, anger, sadness, fear and frustration.
Continue to act as a positive role model for your child. Give love, get love.
Signs of illness
Signs of illness may include fever, failure to eat, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, lethargy, rash, or cough. If your child experiences one of these symptoms or you are concerned, feel free to call our office for advice or an appointment.
Developmental Milestones
Verbal: Says 15-20 words, imitates words
Social: Looks at pictures, story
Gross motor: Walks backwards
Fine motor: Scribbles some
(603) 437-1003
We are located in Building E at 25 Buttrick Road in Londonderry, NH 03053. Buttrick Road is off Mammoth Road (Route 128) just north of the intersection of Routes 128 and 102. From the east and west, take Route 102 turning north onto Route 128. Two tenths of a mile is Buttrick road, turn right, travel half a mile passing the Elliot Urgent Care on the left and Buttrick Road is on the right.
From the north and south, take Interstae 93 to exit 4. Take Route 102 west to Route 128. Follow above directions to Buttrick Road. Click here for a map.