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P
arents tend to like helpful
tips about how to raise
happy and healthy kids.
Here’s an important one: Be sure
to schedule regular checkups for
your child. Keep the appointments
too.
These visits are important. They
help you get to know your child’s
provider. They also are the best way
to make sure your child:
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Is growing and developing as
expected.
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Gets the shots
he or she needs.
The shots help
protect against
childhood
illnesses.
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Has his or her
eyes, speech, and
hearing checked.
All three are important
for learning.
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Is eating well.
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Stays healthy and safe.
Checkups:
Good for kids
and parents
All kinds of things around the
home can be unsafe for kids.
Some are no surprise. We all
know that a hot stove, an open
window, or a box of matches can
be risks.
But there are dangers in other,
less obvious places. Here are five
examples:
1.
Window or miniblind cords.
A child can get caught in these
cords and strangle. To make
looped cords safer, cut them
apart. Put the two pieces up
high where kids can’t reach
them. Think about switching to
cordless window treatments.
2.
Falling furniture.
Dressers,
Home safety
Five hidden
hazards
TVs, shelves, and other items
can tip over and seriously hurt
kids who climb on or fall against
them. Anchor furniture to the
floor, or attach it to the wall.
3.
Magnets.
These can be
dangerous if swallowed.
Magnets inside a child’s body
may attract each other and
cause injury or death.
4.
Drains.
Pool or spa drains
can trap a child under the water.
Teach kids to stay away from
drains when swimming. Also
remind kids to never sit on a
drain.
5.
Recalled products.
Toys
and other items found to be
unsafe are often recalled by
their makers. Keep track of such
items online at
www.recalls.gov
.
You can also call 800-638-2772.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Checkups also allow your child’s
provider to spot any possible
health problems. Knowing about
problems early helps you decide
what to do.
If everything is fine, you will have
peace of mind. You and your child
will be ready for the next stage of life.
Checkups are a good time to ask
for advice about parenting too. Be
sure to keep a list of questions you
have and take it to each checkup.
Staying on schedule
Your provider will suggest how
often to plan visits. Many providers
recommend this checkup schedule
for children:
Before age 1:
Two or three days
after leaving the hospital, then at 1,
2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months.
Between ages 1 and 2:
At 15, 18,
and 24 months.
Toddlers and young children:
At 2½, 3, and 4 years old.
Grade-schoolers:
Once a year
from ages 5 to 10.
Teens and young adults:
Once a
year from ages 11 to 21.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
children’s health
health
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