Your 15-month-old's well-child visit: Should we be aware of this?

As you prepare for your 15-month-old baby's next checkup, you may be wondering, "What will happen? What will they ask?" That's normal. In fact, this checkup is a valuable opportunity to find out if your baby's health is developing properly. So, let's take a look at what usually happens during this checkup, what the doctor will look for, and what you should know.

What happens during this checkup? Shall we see?

Okay, so when you take your baby to see the doctor, this is what usually happens. There's nothing to worry about, it's all for the best for you and the baby.

First, check the baby's measurements.

First, the doctor or nurse will measure your baby's weight, height, and head circumference and record them. They will record these measurements on a special growth chart they have. This is how they can see if your baby is growing properly for his or her age and if there has been any improvement since the previous checkup. Think of it like a report card of your baby's development.

Then, the doctor will ask you these things:

Once the measurements are taken, the doctor will talk to you. They will ask about your baby's daily life and habits. This is the best time to ask about any questions you have, any fears you have, or any concerns you may have. Don't hold anything back, ask even the smallest questions. They may specifically ask about things like:

How is the food and drink?

15 months is a time when babies have come a long way in terms of eating. They are often starting to eat a variety of foods at this age. They are getting used to different textures of food, such as thick and chunky foods. The doctor asks if you are giving your baby 3 main meals and 2 or 3 nutritious snacks a day.

Remember, at this age, that is, in the second year of life, babies' growth rate slows down a bit compared to the first year. So don't be surprised if their appetite decreases a bit . That's normal.

Your baby may now be able to drink from a cup. They may also try to eat from a spoon, but they may prefer to finger-feed . Allow them to do so, it's part of their development.

Is there a difference in doing the Kakka?

When you start introducing new foods, especially whole milk, your baby's stools may change in color, consistency (i.e., are they watery or lumpy), and how many times they pass them each day . This is normal. However, if your baby has persistent diarrhea, constipation, or cries or seems to have difficulty passing stools, be sure to tell your doctor .

How is your baby sleeping?

Sleep is essential for the development of young children. Not all babies are the same, but on average, babies around 15 months old need between 12 and 14 hours of sleep a day. This includes naps during the day. The doctor will ask questions like whether your baby sleeps well at night and how long they sleep during the day.

How is the baby's development?

This is the part that many parents eagerly await. The doctor will talk about your baby's developmental milestones. By 15 months, little ones will often start doing these things:

• I'm trying to say one or two new words besides 'mom' and 'dad'. It may not be clear, but I'm trying.
• He shows his love by hugging you, caressing you, and rubbing his head against your body.
• You understand and follow simple instructions given by hand and spoken words, for example, "give me the ball" and "say Tata" .
• When you ask, "Where's the ball?" , they look at a familiar toy or something else .
• When you need something or need help, you reach out and show it .
• When playing with other children , they watch what they do and try to do the same (copy) .
• Trying to use things properly, like holding a phone to your ear, drinking from a cup, and turning the pages of a book.
• Try to stack at least two pieces of blocks, cups, etc. on top of each other .
• I take a step or two alone , without anyone's help. I may fall, but I don't give up.
• Eats food alone with his fingers .

This is very important: If your baby is not showing one or more of these developmental milestones, or if they seem to have lost a skill they once had (for example, they used to say a few words but now they don't), be sure to tell your doctor . Don't panic, but it's important to be aware.

Next, we'll examine the baby's body, right?

Yes, next is a complete physical examination of the baby. At this time, you will be with the baby. The doctor will remove the baby's clothes and perform this examination. This includes an eye examination, a dental examination (if the first tooth has come in), listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope, and palpating the abdomen. The doctor will also pay close attention to the baby's motor skills, such as the way he walks, how he grasps things, and the baby's behavior.

Will they also talk about vaccines?

Absolutely! Vaccines are very important to protect your baby from serious diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella. Therefore, it is essential to give them on time. During this checkup, the doctor will also check what vaccines your baby needs and give them. Vaccine schedules may vary slightly from doctor's office to doctor's office. Therefore, ask your doctor what vaccines are being given this time, what minor discomforts (such as fever and body aches) may occur after they are given, and what to do about them.

Should we remember these things for the next 18 months?

Well, after the doctor's checkup is over, there are a few things you need to take care of your baby until the next checkup (which is at 18 months). Let's talk about that a little bit.

How can you continue to take care of your food and drink?

Nutritious food is essential for your baby's healthy development. So keep these points in mind:

• Give your baby whole milk until he is 2 years old . Do not give low-fat or skim milk unless your doctor specifically tells you to. This is because fat is essential for brain development during this time. But limit the amount of cow's milk given to your baby to 16-24 ounces (approximately 480-720 milliliters) per day. Giving too much can reduce your baby's appetite for other nutritious foods.
• Offer iron-fortified cereals and iron-rich foods . For example, add meat, fish, chicken, well-cooked green vegetables (such as spinach, kale), beans (such as white beans, black beans, red peas), and tofu to your baby's diet.
• Offer a variety of foods . It's better to have variety than to keep giving the same foods. But let your baby decide how much to eat and when it's enough. Don't force him to eat.
• Stop bottle feeding as soon as possible and introduce your baby to a cup . If you are breastfeeding, you can also try giving your baby a cup.
• If you are giving 100% fruit juice, give it in a cup. And don't give more than 4 ounces (about 120 milliliters) per day. It's better to give it as a whole fruit. Avoid sugary drinks like soda at all .
• Avoid giving junk food that is high in sugar, salt, oil, and low in nutrition as much as possible.
• Be very careful with foods that can choke . For example, avoid giving hot dogs (sausages), whole grapes, raw carrot pieces, nuts like peanuts, hard fruits (like apple pieces), and candies. If you do give these , cut them into very small pieces, boil them well, and only give them when you are paying close attention .

How do we help our child learn?

At this age, little ones' brains are like sponges. They learn from everything they see and hear.

• Children learn best when they work, talk, and play with others . So make sure to make time to talk to your baby every day, read books to them (picture books are best), sing songs to them, and play together.
• Limit your baby's screen time (i.e. time spent with TV, computer, phone, tablet) as much as possible. Doctors recommend keeping it to less than an hour a day. It's okay to sit with your baby and choose programs that have good quality and educational value. Video chatting with relatives is also good.
• Create a safe place for your baby to play at home. Give your baby plenty of time to explore, touch, and touch new things. This will help develop their curiosity and creativity.

When taking care of yourself every day, you also need to think about safety, right?

Yes, this is also very important. Little ones are very curious, so it is your responsibility to protect them from dangers.

• Keep your baby's teeth clean from the day they come in. Brush them twice a day with a small toothbrush and a grain-sized amount of toothpaste . If you haven't seen a dentist yet, make an appointment soon. To help prevent tooth decay, your doctor or dentist can apply fluoride varnish to your baby's teeth 2-4 times a year.
• Establish a bedtime routine . For example, washing your baby, brushing his teeth, and telling him a story. If he wakes up at night and is having trouble getting him back to sleep, comfort him, but keep interactions as short as possible and avoid excessive play.
• It's common for toddlers to have tantrums at this age. They're especially likely when they're tired or hungry. Try to stop them before they happen - either by diverting their attention (like giving them a different toy) or removing them from the situation that's making them feel uncomfortable.
• Give your baby two acceptable options and let them choose the one they like. For example, "Do you want to wear the red shirt or the blue one?" This will give them a sense of independence and may reduce their fussiness.
• Praise and cuddle your child when they do good things . Ignore any behavior you don't like (unless it's dangerous). Never hit your child . Little ones don't understand the connection between hitting and the behavior you're trying to correct. Instead, you can use a short time-out (that is, being alone for a while, in a quiet place).
• When traveling in the car, keep your baby in the back seat, in a rear-facing car seat, until they reach the weight or height limits specified by the car seat manufacturer. This is the safest way for young children.
• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your baby's skin at least 15 minutes before going outside to play. Apply even if the sun doesn't seem to be strong. Reapply every two hours, especially after sweating or playing in the water.
• Protect your baby from secondhand smoke . It increases the risk of heart disease and lung disease. If you or someone in your home smokes, don't do so around your baby. The smoke from e-cigarettes is also harmful.
• Always make sure your home environment is safe for this curious little one :
• Keep out of reach: small toys and things like buttons that can get stuck; wires like phone charger wires and iron wires; fragile things like hot coffee cups, tea cups, sharp knives, scissors, and glassware; toxic substances (keep all medications, household cleaning products, and pesticides in cupboards and lock them up).
• Keep emergency numbers in an easy-to-reach place (like next to your phone, on the fridge) . Also write down the Poison Control number (in Sri Lanka, the National Poison Information Center - 0112686143).
• If there are stairs, use safety gates at the top and bottom. Supervise your baby on the stairs.
• Avoid water hazards : Keep bathroom doors closed, toilet seats closed, and buckets filled with water. Never leave your baby alone, even for a second, when bathing him or anywhere else with water (near a water tank, swimming pool), and always keep an eye on him .
• Don't keep a gun in the house. It's the safest thing to do. If you absolutely have one, keep it unloaded, locked up, and out of reach of children. Keep the ammunition locked up separately. Don't let children get hold of the keys.

Finally, the most important thing to remember

So, Mom and Dad, your 15-month-old baby's checkup is just another important step in his or her health journey. Listen carefully to what the doctor says, and don't be afraid to ask any questions you have, even the smallest ones. Your attention, love, and the doctor's guidance are what will help your baby grow up healthy and happy.

Remember, every baby is different. Every baby develops at their own pace. So don't compare your baby to other babies. Let your baby develop at their own pace and in their own way. If you have any questions or concerns, it's always best to ask your doctor.

All the best for you and your little one!

` 15 month old baby, child development, child health, medical tests, developmental milestones, child nutrition, child safety