What to Expect At This Visit:
At this visit, your child will receive the following immunizations:
DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis) and Hib (Hemophilus Influenzae Type B). Please note that there is a range for giving the booster doses of vaccines. For example, some practices may give this Dtap, HIB, and IPV booster at 18 months instead of 15 months. Check the immunization schedule of the AAP below for these variations.
Click here for the American Academy of Pediatrics Immunization Schedule.
Additional Vaccine Information: The American Academy of Pediatrics
Development:
Note: Please know that the development of each child is unique and special. The following information on development is general and meant for informational purposes only. If you are concerned about the development of your child, please let your pediatrician know.
*At 15 months, your child will want to be more independent, wanting to make choices for themselves. It is best to let your child choose between 2 options. For example, let your child choose between two shirts to wear, or two snacks to eat.
*At this age, your child may be very frightened by strangers, especially clowns and Santa Claus. If your child is scared, help calm your child and acknowledge that it's all right to be afraid. Do not laugh at your child when they are frightened at this age, because to them the fear is very real.
*Your child will continue to learn new words. Continue to have conversations with your child. Rather than just talking to your child, talk WITH your child to help build their language skills.
*A child's "terrible twos" can actually start earlier. Since they are becoming more independent, they will also be frustrated when things do not go their way. They may act out by throwing temper tantrums, hitting, or biting. It is recommended that Time-Outs are the best way to discipline. The length of time in a Time-Out should be one minute for every year old they are. Let the child know what they did was wrong and how to fix it. After the Time-Out, let your child continue to play, without further mention of the disciplined act.
Daily Life:
Feeding:
Sleeping:
*Starting at 18-20 months you child may frequently awake during the night. If you child awakes, assure them that they are all right and guide them back to sleep. Do not spend too much time, as your child can then associate waking up with getting to play with their parents at night. Having a stuffed animal and nightlight can help your child calm down and return to bed.
*If your child wakes up during the night, do not give your child a bottle. This causes an increased risk of cavities. Also, it may cause your child to associate awaking with getting a snack.
*Additionally, if your child awakes, do not allow your child to sleep in your bed with you. Frequent episodes may cause a habit of your child wanting to sleep in the parent's bed.
Fun & Play:
Safety:
*At this age, your child, if over 20 pounds, can be in a front-facing car seat. Nonetheless, the car seat should still be in the backseat of the car. New studies have shown that the longer you keep your baby rear facing the better it is for safety. Shoot for at least 2 years.
*Fire safety is a valuable lesson to teach your child. Make sure to change the batteries in your smoke detector every year. A good reminder is to change batteries on your child's birthday every year.
*Along with smoke detectors, it is best for your family to determine an escape plan should a fire occur. Also teach your children that matches and lighters are never toys.
*Never leave your child alone while bathing, even for a second. A child can drown in as little as 2 inches of water. Set your water heater thermostat to less than 120 degrees. This helps prevent scalding water and burns.
Health:
Parents & Family:
Useful Resources & Links:
TIPP (The Injury Prevention Program) safety sheet for 1-2 year olds