Feeding
Your child is now a toddler; allow him/her to use a cup to drink and a spoon to eat. Eat meals as a family. As a toddler, your child’s appetite will be less than it was prior. Forcing your child to eat when they are not hungry is counterproductive and will only lead to frustration for both of you.
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
Continue with a night time routine, including putting him or her to bed in their sleep space.
Night terrors- a sleeping child screaming out in the middle of the night while still sleeping- are common at this age.
Safety
Continue to supervise closely. Reexamine the safety of your home; including access to water such as toilets, tubs, pools. Use sunscreen daily. Continue to use car seat in the rear facing position until the age of two. Check window guards or open windows from top only. Check function of smoke detectors. Maintain a smoke free environment. Use bike helmets. Be sure poisons, medicines, matches, and weapons are locked up. New Hampshire’s poison control number is 1800 222 1222.
Activities
Allow for exploration and physical activity. Read interactively with your child. Continue to snuggle and cuddle with your child. Provide opportunities for your child to play by his/herself. Encourage your child to self settle. Limit TV.
Allow yourself time and spend time with your partner.
Behavior
Rules should be limited but consistent. Do not allow hitting, biting or other aggressive behavior. You may introduce time out as a method to modify your child’s negative behavior. Praise your child’s positive behaviors.
Help your toddler learn the meanings of anger, joy and sadness.
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 3-5 words, understands simple directions
Social: Indicates wants with non-verbal communication, like pointing, grunting
Gross motor: Independently walks well
Fine motor: Stacks two blocks
(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.