Toddlers and young children bring joys and challenges. It's exciting to see them develop many new skills, but they can also show challenging behaviors. The information below will help you during the toddler years.

WELL CARE VISITS:
Regular well care allows you and your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner to check your child's health and development, answer your questions and update immunizations. From age 1 to 5 years, your child should have a physical every 6 months until 2 years old and then once a year. You can make an online appointment or call (916) 688-6800. We look forward to seeing you and your child!

Before Your Well Care Visit:
1) Click on the link Early Childhood: 1 to 5 Years. You will be able to read the checkup information sheets for your child's age. Write down any questions you may have.
2) Also, at this same link Early Childhood: 1 to 5 Years, print the well care visit questionnaire for your child's age. Complete it and bring it to your child's well care visit.
3) Please bring your child's immunization records to all well care visits.

CHILD BEHAVIOR AND DEVELOPMENT:

• Toddler Parenting Classes: We have Toddler classes taught by our experienced and knowledgable Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Call (916) 688-6800 to make a reservation. Please arrange childcare for your children!
• The Magic of Everyday Moments: This is information for parents about maximizing your child's development. Click here.
• Your Child's Temperament: Every child is different. Some are more active, some are more persistent. Go to this site to check on your child's temperament. Knowing temperament lets you tailor your parenting approach to what works best for your child.
• Autism Screening Questionnaire (MCHAT): Click on this link to print and complete the MCHAT screening questionnaire for autism. This should be done if your Pediatrician or you have concerns about your child's social and language development between ages 18 months and 5 years: link to MCHAT.

VACCINE INFORMATION: Shots protect against many serious diseases. You may have questions or concerns. The Internet is full of information on shots, and not all is accurate. Here are some reliable web sites and other resources to learn more about shots:

• 2007 Vaccine Schedule
• Immunization Action Coalition
• Shots to Protect Your Child/PHP Information
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccince Information
• Another reliable site for shot information

SAFETY AND PREVENTION: In Pediatrics, we strive to keep children healthy by preventing accidents and injuries. For information about products that can harm your child, click here. There are excellent web sites on gun safety and car safety, and fire safety. Here's a list of more web sites for

PEDIATRIC HEALTH TOPICS:

• Pediatric Health Information: For lots of health information such as colds and flu, allergies, vomiting and diarrhea and many other topics, go to Pediatric Health Information and Child Health Information.
• Your Child's Skin: We recommend mild soaps without perfumes. Check here about rashes or other skin conditions.
• General Health Topics: Lots of health information on this web site with specific pediatric web section and searchable. Go to www.healthfinder.gov.
• More Pediatric Health Information: See the parent section of the American Academy of Pediatrics site for many childhood health issues. Kid's Health Web Site contains topics for all age children.

ILLNESS AND INJURY: We understand the worry and stress when you child is sick or hurt. The resources above in "Pediatric Health Topics" can be very helpful. In addition, below are some specific topics:

• Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen (Tylenol)Recommended Pediatric Dosing
• Fever Facts
• Colds and Flu in Children
• Sore Throat and Strep Throat
• Vomiting and Diarrhea in Children
• How to Manage Asthma: A Guide for Adults and Children
• Cuts to the Skin

DENTAL CARE:

• Your Child's Teeth: Here's a site for general dental information.
• Fluoride: Fluoride prevents cavities. It is needed from age 6 months to 16 years old. Children in the City of Sacramento get fluoride in the water. For other areas of Sacramento County, check the Sacramento area fluoride map. On this map, if you live in "optimal fluoride" or "partial fluoride" areas, no additional fluoride is needed. If you live outside of Sacramento County, check with your water company to see if you have fluoride. If you have well water, get it tested for fluoride. Call your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner if your child needs fluoride or if you have questions.