|
|
 |
In
the Spotlight
Managing
Your Health: Child Health Guide Additional Information
Part
1 of 4: Managing
Your Health: Personal Health Guide
Part 2 of 4: Managing
Your Health: Personal Health Guide, Additional Information
Part
3 of 4: Managing
Your Health: Child Health Guide
|
| |
 The
fourth in a series of four health guides. Managing your
health, and the health of your child, means putting prevention
into practice.
The last in our Managing Your Health series, Managing Your Health:
Child Health Guide Additional Information presents important
information on health guidance, including development, nutrition,
dental and oral health, physical activity, tobacco use, safety,
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and child abuse.
Use
your PersonalMD Medical Record to help track your childs preventive
care and to know when this care is needed.
Development
Children
grow and develop at different rates. Your health care provider
will regularly measure the height and weight of your child and
will use a growth chart to keep track of your childs growth.
The
information below shows the ages by which most young children
develop certain abilities. It is normal for a child to do some
of these things later than the ages noted here. If your child
fails to do many of these at the ages given, or you have questions
about his or her development, talk with your child's health
care provider.
| Child
Development |
|
2
Months
Smiles, coos
Watches a person, follows with eyes
4
Months
Laughs out loud
Lifts head and chest when on stomach, grasps objects
6
Months
Babbles, turns to sound
Rolls over, supports head well when sitting
9
Months
Responds to name, plays peek-a-boo
Sits alone, crawls, pulls self up to standing
1
Year
Waves bye-bye, says mama or dada
Walks when holding on, picks up objects with thumb
and first finger
18
Months
Says 3 words other than mama or dada, scribbles
Walks alone, feeds self using spoon
2
Years
Puts 2 words together, refers to self by name
Runs well, walks up stairs by self
3
Years
Knows age, helps button clothing, washes and dries
hands
Throws ball overhand, rides tricycle
4
Years
Knows first and last name, tells a story, counts
four objects
Balances on one foot, uses children's scissors
5
Years
Names 4 colors, counts 10 objects
Hops on 1 foot, dresses self
|
|
Nutrition
What
your child eats is very important for his or her health. Follow
the nutrition guidelines below.
Guidelines
for a Healthy Diet0-2 Years Old
-
Breast
milk is the best single food for infants from birth to six
months of age. It provides good nutrition and protects against
infection. Breast-feeding should be continued for at least
the first year, if possible. If breast-feeding is not possible
or not desired, iron-enriched formula (not cow's milk) should
be used during the first 12 months of life. Whole cow's milk
can be used to replace formula or breast milk after 12 months
of age.
- Breast-fed
babies, particularly if dark-skinned, who do not get regular exposure
to sunlight may need to receive Vitamin D supplements.
- Begin
suitable solid foods at 4-6 months of age. Most experts recommend
iron-enriched infant rice cereal as the first food.
- Start
new foods one at a time to make it easier to identify problem
foods. For example, wait one week before adding each new cereal,
vegetable, or other food.
- Use
iron-rich foods, such as grains, iron-enriched cereals, and other
grains and meats.
- Do
not give honey to infants during the first 12 months of life.
- Do
not limit fat during the first 2 years of life.
Guidelines
for a Healthy Diet2 Years and Older
- Provide
a variety of foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains.
- Use
salt (sodium) and sugars in moderation.
- Encourage
a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
- Help
your child maintain a healthy weight by providing proper foods
and encouraging regular exercise.
Dental/Oral
Health
Your child needs regular dental care starting at an early age.
Talk with your dentist to schedule the first visit. Good oral
health requires good daily care. Follow these guidelines.
For
Babies
-
If
most of your child's nutrition comes from breast-feeding,
or if you live in an area with too little fluoride in the
drinking water (less than .3 ppm for children less than 2
years old, less than .7 ppm for children over 2 years old),
your child may need fluoride drops or tablets. Ask your health
care provider or local water department about the amount of
fluoride in your water.
- Don't
use a baby bottle as a pacifier or put your child to sleep with
a baby bottle. This can cause tooth decay and ear infections.
- Keep
your infant's teeth and gums clean by wiping with a moist cloth
after feeding.
- When
multiple teeth appear, begin gently brushing your infant's teeth
using a soft toothbrush and a very small (pea-sized) amount of
toothpaste with fluoride.
For
Older Children
-
Talk
with your dentist about dental sealants. They can help prevent
cavities in permanent teeth.
- Use
dental floss to help prevent gum disease. Talk with your dentist
about when to start.
- Do
not permit your child to smoke or chew tobacco. Set a good example:
don't use tobacco products yourself.
- If
a permanent tooth is knocked out, rinse it gently and put it back
into the socket or in a glass of cold milk or water. See a dentist
immediately.
Copyright
© 2000 PersonalMD.com. All rights reserved.
|
|
Feature Archives