The Eighteen Month Well Visit: What to Expect

Isn’t toddlerhood wonderful? It is such an exciting time of exploration, new skills and interests. It is fascinating to watch your child’s personality emerge and develop. Part of your child’s new independence usually means that they will not like today’s visit! Here is what to expect at today’s checkup.

What to expect today

  • We will ask about what you are feeding your child, and be sure he is getting the proper nutrition at this age.
  • We will examine your child’s growth, making sure she is growing at a normal rate for her age. This is a very important part of making sure children are healthy and are getting the proper nutrition. Your child’s growth will slow down even further around this age.
  • We will check on how he is sleeping because this is important for her health (and for the whole family!).
  • We will ask what kind of things he is doing now to be sure her brain, nerves and muscles are developing properly.
  • We will do a full physical exam, looking at every part of your child’s body. Please let the doctor know if you have any particular questions or concerns.

Vaccines given today

  • DTaP #4
  • Hepatitis A #2. This must be given at least 6 months after the first dose (usually at 12 months). If today’s visit is less than 6 months after the 12-month well visit, then dose #2 can be given at the 2-year well visit. This is fine because the schedule says to give dose #2 6-18 months after the first dose.
  • These vaccines are required by law in Georgia in order to attend school or daycare, unless you refuse to give them for religious reasons.
  • Some children receive other vaccines at this visit depending on the child’s particular schedule and whether any doses have been missed or delayed. Most children complete their primary immunizations at this visit, though some may require more vaccines at the 2-year visit
  • The flu (influenza) vaccine is recommended during flu season for all children older than 6 months old, because there is a much higher rate of more serious illness and complications from flu at this age. Two doses are needed this year if your child has not had at least 2 doses since birth. The vaccine is usually given between September and April each year.

Development

Your child should be doing the following things now; if not, please let us know:

  • Walks without assistance.
  • Knows at least 10 words.

Developmental Screening

We will do two formal developmental evaluations of your child today. Although we check your child’s development at every visit, there are certain ages where we do a more thorough evaluation. These will consist of questionnaires you will fill out and we will evaluate and score. If your child has any signs of delays in development, we will ask further questions and may refer your child for further evaluation if necessary.

Information you should receive today

  • Caring for Your 18-Month Old.
  • Vaccine Information Sheets on each vaccine.
  • Please ask for the Toddler Feeding booklet if you have not already received it.
  • Please ask for the 12-24 month Safety Tips Sheet if you did not already receive it.

Next visit

  • Your child’s next scheduled checkup is at age 2 years (24 months).