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Toddlers Need Regular Checkups to Catch Health Problems Early

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 25-26 Month Old Toddler

Toddlers grow fast. As they grow, they need regular health checkups. Your child’s health examination will give the doctor an opportunity to spot problems early. This way, problems can be taken care of before any serious or long-term effects occur.

The record from the health checkups provides information about your child’s health and immunization. You will need this record when you enroll your child in day care, nursery school, or kindergarten. If your child needs special food or medication while away from home, the health record gives caregivers the correct medical information.

Be sure you keep your child’s health record in a safe place where you can find it easily. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a well child examination include the following:

  • History of how the child is growing and developing
  • Physical exam
  • Dental exam
  • Nutritional exam
  • Vision and hearing tests
  • Hemoglobin or hematocrit test
  • Urine test
  • Tuberculin test
  • Immunizations


The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends toddler checkups at about 12 months, 15 months, 24 months, 36 months, and after age 3, every 2 years. Of course, if parents or doctors have special concerns about the child, exams will be more frequent.

If you do not have a doctor for your child, ask your local health department. They can give you the name of a physician or health department clinic where your child can get a complete examination.


Learn more about Your Toddler: 25-26 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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