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A Parent’s Pocket Guide to Child Wellness
Guidance at Every Age, Development at Every Stage. A child’s early years — from birth through age eight — are very important for all areas of learning and growth. That includes physical growth and health, emotional and behavioral growth, as well as logic, reasoning, socializing, and thinking. Healthy development in the early years gives children a foundation for lifelong health and well-being.
What is the Parent’s Pocket Guide to Child Wellness?
Forsyth County, North Carolina
This content on this webpage was prepared to support the local Forsyth County, North Carolina community in better understanding the role that mental and emotional wellbeing plays in the lives, development, and education of our children. Content on this page is organized by age ranges (from one month through eight years) to provide helpful information to parents with young children at any age.
This webpage is intended solely for informational purposes. It is not intended to diagnose or serve as a form of mental or behavioral health treatment. For more information or help please reach out to your local physician or mental health professional.
What do pediatricians have to say?
Watch the video message from Dr. Lia Simpson Erickson with Novant Health Waughtown Pediatrics
Watch the video message from Dr. Elimarie Caballero-Quinones with Wake Forest Baptist Health
Parents and caregivers can support a child’s mental wellbeing at any age.
Parents often focus on a child’s physical growth and learning milestones, but it’s also important to look out for your child’s social and emotional wellbeing, even beginning at infancy!
One Month Visit
The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the one-month-old milestone.
Does your baby…
Social Language / Self-help
- Look at you, and follow the sound of your voice?
- Get fussy when left alone?
- Calm or settle with you?
Verbal Language
- Coo’s with oohs and aahs
- Startle to unexpected change in surroundings?
- Cry differently for hunger or tiredness?
- Calm or settle with you?
Gross Motor
- Move all limbs around?
- Hold chin up?
Fine Motor
- Open and close fingers on hand?
Try this…
- Start finding some good child care options.
- Anxiety and depression are very common after having a baby. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or your baby’s pediatrician. Getting enough sleep/physical activity and eating health helps. Talk with me if feelings last more than 2 days.
- Make time for yourself and your partner.
- Put your baby down in your baby’s crib awake or drowsy.
- Consider offering a pacifier.
- Calm baby with stroking head or gentle rocking.
- Never hit or shake your baby.
- Avoid TV and other digital media with your baby.
- Start “tummy time” when awake.
- Learn the best way to take your baby’s temperature.
- Wash your hands.
Learn More
Your pediatrician will…
- Measure and weigh your baby to see how your baby is growing.
- Ask you some questions about how you are feeling, and how you are adjusting to live with your newborn.
- Complete a physical exam.
- Look at your baby
- Touch, feel, and move your baby’s arms and legs
- Listen to your baby’s heart
- Check your baby’s hearing
- *May need to take a blood sample from your child
- Provide you with information regarding your baby’s development.
- Provide you with information from the Centers for Disease Control (The CDC) and American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) regarding the recommended vaccination schedule.
Ask Yourself…
- What am I doing to build a great relationship with my baby?
- What am I doing to enhance my baby’s development?
- Do I have the things I need for my baby?
- Do I have enough money for food/infant formula?
- Do I have a safe sleep environment for my baby?
- What will I do for child care?
- What can I do if I need a break?
- What other needs do I have?
Nutrition
- Exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months provides ideal nutrition.
- Iron-fortified formula is the recommended substitute, or supplement.
- Recognize your baby’s signs of hunger and fullness.
- Expect 6 to 8 wet cloth diapers per day, 5 or 6 wet disposable diapers, 3 to 4 stools per day.
- Do not provide your baby with extra fluids.
- Learn to burp your baby at natural breaks in feeding.
- Breastfeeding guidelines:
- Aim to feed every 1 to 3 hours during the day
- Aim to feed every 3 hours at night
- 8 to 12 total feedings in a 24 hour window
- Give baby Vitamin D (400IU per day)
- Mothers should continue prenatal vitamin with iron
- Refocus or maintain your healthy diet (vegetables/fruit/whole grains/low-fat or nonfat dairy/fish/lean protein).
- Formula feeding guidelines:
- Prepare and store formula safely
- Feed 24 to 27 oz of formula per day
- Hold your baby semi-upright and hold, don’t prop, the bottle
Safety
Car
- Use rear-facing car safety seat in back seat
- Never put your baby in front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag
- Keep your baby in car safety seat at all times during travel
- Use your own seat belt
- Don’t drive after using alcohol or drugs.
Sleeping
- Put your baby to sleep on your baby’s back
- Choose a crib with slats that are less than 2 ⅜” apart
- Don’t use loose or soft bedding
- Have your baby sleep in your room in your baby’s own crib
Changing
- Keep a hand on your baby while changing your baby’s diaper or clothing
- Keep bracelets, toys with loops, strings and cords away from the baby
Emergency
- Learn infant first aid and CPR
- Know emergency numbers
- Make an Emergency plan
Checklist
- Don’t use tobacco/e-cigarettes. Keep your car and home smoke free. Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) for help quitting
- Check your home for mold and radon and avoid using pesticides.
- Ask for help if you are concerned about or have experienced violence from your partner or anyone in your life. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Don’t use alcohol or drugs
- Ask about community resources for child care.
- Is my baby exposed to:
- Smoke
- Dampness and mold in your home
- Drinking or other substance use
Two Month Visit
The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the two-month-old milestone.
Does your baby…
Social Language / Self-help
- Smile at you?
- Make pleasant or unpleasant sounds?
Verbal Language
- Make short cooing sounds?
Gross Motor
- Hold its head steady?
- Lift its head and chest during tummy time?
Fine Motor
- Open and shut hands?
- Bring hands together?
Try this…
- Be responsive!
- Stay calm.
- Work together.
- Talk to your baby.
- Hold, cuddle, talk, sing to your baby.
- Learn baby’s temperament and personality
- Develop a routine.
- Avoid TV and screen time
- Use “Tummy Time” when awake
- Calm by stroking head, gentle rocking, walking with baby in stroller
- Never hit or shake baby
Learn More
Your pediatrician will…
- Measure and weigh your baby to see how your baby is growing.
- Ask you some questions about how you are feeling, and how you are adjusting to life with your baby.
- Complete a physical exam.
- Look at your baby
- Touch, feel, and move your baby’s arms and legs
- Listen to your baby’s heart
- Check your baby’s hearing
- *May need to take a blood sample from your child
- Provide you with information regarding your baby’s development.
- Provide you with information from the Centers for Disease Control (The CDC) and American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) regarding the recommended vaccination schedule.
Ask Yourself…
- What am I doing to build a great relationship with my baby?
- What am I doing to enhance my baby’s development?
- Do I have the things I need for my baby?
- Do I have enough money for food/infant formula?
- Do I have a safe sleep environment for my baby?
- What will I do for child care?
- What can I do if I need a break?
- What other needs do I have?
Nutrition
- Exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months provides ideal nutrition.
- Iron-fortified formula is the recommended substitute, or supplement.
- Recognize your baby’s signs of hunger and fullness.
- Expect 6 to 8 wet cloth diapers per day, 5 or 6 wet disposable diapers, 3 to 4 stools per day.
- Do not provide your baby with extra fluids.
- Learn to burp your baby at natural breaks in feeding
- Breastfeeding guidelines:
- 8 to 12 total feedings in a 24 hour window
- Aim to feed every 1 to 3 hours during the day
- Aim to feed every 3 hours at night
- Give baby Vitamin D (400IU per day)
- Mothers should continue prenatal vitamin with iron
- Refocus or maintain your healthy diet (vegetables/fruit/whole grains/low-fat or nonfat dairy/fish/lean protein).
- Formula feeding guidelines:
- Prepare and store formula safely
- Feed 24 to 27 oz of formula per day
- Hold your baby semi-upright and hold, don’t prop, the bottle
Safety
Car
- Use rear-facing car safety seat in back seat
- Never put your baby in front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag
- Keep your baby in car safety seat at all times during travel
- Use your own seat belt
- Don’t drive after using alcohol or drugs.
Sleeping
- Put your baby to sleep on your baby’s back
- Choose a crib with slats that are less than 2 ⅜” apart
- Don’t use loose or soft bedding
- Have your baby sleep in your room in your baby’s own crib
Changing
- Keep a hand on your baby while changing your baby’s diaper or clothing
- Keep bracelets, toys with loops, strings and cords away from the baby
Emergency
- Learn infant first aid and CPR
- Know emergency numbers
- Make an Emergency plan
Checklist
- Don’t use tobacco/e-cigarettes. Keep your car and home smoke free. Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) for help quitting
- Check your home for mold and radon and avoid using pesticides.
- Ask for help if you are concerned about or have experienced violence from your partner or anyone in your life. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Don’t use alcohol or drugs
- Ask about community resources for child care.
- Is my baby exposed to:
- Smoke
- Dampness and mold in your home
- Drinking or other substance use
Four Month Visit
The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the four-month-old milestone.
Does your baby…
Social Language / Self-help
- Laugh out loud?
- Look for you when your baby is upset?
Verbal Language
- Turn towards voices?
- Make longer cooing sounds?
Gross Motor
- Push up on elbows and wrists during tummy time?
- Rolls over from stomach to back?
Fine Motor
- Keep the baby’s hands open?
- Grasp toys?
- Play with toys with two hands?
Try this…
- Stay calm.
- Keep up the good work! Practice your soothing techniques.
- Work together.
- Spend time talking and playing.
- Avoid TV and screen time.
- Use “Tummy Time” when awake.
- Begin differentiating between quiet times (“reading or singing”) and active times (Tummy time”).
- Develop a routine.
Learn More
Oral Health
- Don’t share spoons with your baby.
- Don’t clean the pacifier in your own mouth.
- Use a cold teething ring to relieve teething pain.
- Clean teeth and gums 2x a day. Use soft cloth or a toothbrush with tap water.
Your pediatrician will…
- Measure and weigh your baby to see how your baby is growing.
- Ask you some questions about how you are feeling, and how you are adjusting to live with your newborn.
- Complete a physical exam.
- Look at your baby
- Touch, feel, and move your baby’s arms and legs
- Listen to your baby’s heart
- Check your baby’s hearing
- *May need to take a blood sample from your child
- Provide you with information regarding your baby’s development.
- Provide you with information from the Centers for Disease Control (The CDC) and American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) regarding the recommended vaccination schedule.
Nutrition
- Exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months provides ideal nutrition.
- Iron-fortified formula is the recommended substitute, or supplement.
- Expect 6 to 8 wet cloth diapers per day, 5 or 6 wet disposable diapers, 3 to 4 stools per day.
- Learn to burp your baby at natural breaks in feeding.
- Breastfeeding guidelines:
- Give baby Vitamin D (400IU per day).
- Refocus or maintain your healthy diet (vegetables/fruit/whole grains/low-fat or nonfat dairy/fish/lean protein).
- Discuss safe pumping and storing techniques.
- Begin Infant Iron supplementation.
- Formula feeding guidelines:
- Prepare and store formula safely.
- Feed 30 to 32 oz of formula per day.
- Hold your baby semi-upright and hold, don’t prop, the bottle.
- Consider contacting WIC.
Safety
Home
- Don’t use tobacco/e-cigarettes. Keep your car and home smoke free. Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) for help quitting.
- Check your home for mold and radon and avoid using pesticides.
- Ask for help if you are concerned about or have experienced violence from your partner or anyone in your life. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-SAFE (7233).
- Don’t use alcohol or drugs.
- Ask about community resources for child care.
- Keep a hand on your baby while changing your baby’s diaper or clothing.
- Keep bracelets, toys with loops, strings and cords away from the baby.
- Avoid risk burns (drinking hot liquids, cooking, or smoking).
- Set home water temperature to less than 120 F.
- Don’t leave the baby alone in the bathtub, or on high places (changing tables, sofas, beds).
- Keep small objects away from the baby.
- Avoid infant walkers.
Car
- Use the rear-facing car safety seat in the back seat.
- Never put your baby in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag.
- Keep your baby in a car safety seat at all times during travel.
- Use your own seat belt.
Sleeping
- Put your baby to sleep on your baby’s back.
- Choose a crib with slats that are less than 2 ⅜” apart.
- Don’t use loose or soft bedding.
Emergency
- Learn infant first aid and CPR.
- Know emergency numbers.
- Make an Emergency plan.
Six Month Visit
The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the six-month-old milestone.
Does your baby…
Social Language / Self-help
- Pat or smile at their reflections?
- Look when their name is called?
Verbal Language
- Babble?
- Make sounds like “ga”, “ma”, “ba”?
Gross Motor
- Roll over from back to stomach?
- Sit briefly with support?
Fine Motor
- Pass a toy from one hand to another?
- Rake small objects with 4 fingers?
- Bang small objects on a surface?
Try this…
- Engage in interactive, reciprocal play. Talk, sing, read, and play games.
- Avoid TV and screen time.
- Continue regular daily routines; put the baby to sleep awake but drowsy.
- Continue calming strategies.
Learn More
Your pediatrician will…
- Measure and weigh your baby to see how your baby is growing.
- Ask you some questions about how you are feeling, and how you are adjusting to live with your newborn.
- Complete a physical exam.
- Look at your baby
- Touch, feel, and move your baby’s arms and legs
- Listen to your baby’s heart
- Check your baby’s hearing
- *May need to take a blood sample from your child
- Provide you with information regarding your baby’s development.
- Provide you with information from the Centers for Disease Control (The CDC) and American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) regarding the recommended vaccination schedule.
Oral Health
- Clean teeth/gums 2x a day with a soft cloth or toothbrush and a small smear of fluoride toothpaste. Do not use more than the size of a grain of rice!
- Don’t prop the bottle or use a bottle in bed.
- Avoid baby foods or juices that the baby sucks out of the bag or pouch.
- Don’t share spoons.
- Don’t clean the pacifier in your mouth.
Nutrition
- Breastmilk and solid foods from about 6 to 12 months is ideal.
- Position the baby for feeding so you can see or talk to each other.
- Determine whether your baby is ready for solids.
- Start with single ingredient foods, and introduce them 1 at a time.
- Wash vegetables and fruits before giving them to your baby.
- Limit juice to 2 to 4 oz per day.
- Breastfeeding:
- Continue as long as mutually desired. Continue with Vitamin D and Iron supplementation.
- Formula feeding guidelines:
- Don’t switch to milk.
- Contact WIC.
Safety
Car
- Use the rear-facing car safety seat in the back seat.
- Never put your baby in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag.
- Check the Car Seat Guidelines!
- If your infant has reached maximum height/weight for their rear-facing only car seat, switch to a convertible or 3 in 1 seat approved for rear facing with higher weight and height limits.
Sleeping
- Put your baby to sleep on your baby’s back.
- Choose a crib with slats that are less than 2 ⅜” apart.
- Don’t use loose or soft bedding.
- Don’t leave your baby in the crib with the drop side down.
- Choose a mesh playpen with weab less than ¼”.
Household
- Do a Home Safety Check.
- Avoid risk burns (drinking hot liquids, cooking, or smoking).
- Set home water temperature to less than 120 F.
- Don’t leave the baby alone in the bathtub, or on high places (changing tables, sofas, beds).
- Keep household products (cleaners and medicines) locked up and out of reach. Put the Poison Help number (800)222-1222 in your cell.
- Keep the baby in the high chair or pen when in the kitchen.
- Keep small objects and plastic bags away from the baby.
- Limit finger foods to soft bits.
- Avoid sun exposure.
- Use sunscreen!
Emergency
- Learn infant first aid and CPR
- Know emergency numbers
- Make an Emergency plan
nine Month Visit
The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the nine-month-old milestone.
Does your baby…
Social Language / Self-help
- Wave Hi and Bye?
- Reach arms out to be picked up?
- Looks for toys that drop?
- Play peek-a-boo?
- Turns consistently when their name is called?
Verbal Language
- Say “Dada” or “mama”?
- Look around if you ask “Where is your ____?”
- Copy sounds that you make?
Gross Motor
- Sit well without support?
- Pulls itself up to stand?
- Sits up from laying and lays from sitting?
- Crawl on hands and knees?
Fine Motor
- Pick up food?
- Uses fingers and thumbs to pick things up?
- Let go of objects on purpose?
- Bang objects together?
Try this…
- Keep up with your routine!
- Encouraging your baby to explore.
- Read about appropriate expectations.
- Be aware of how your baby reacts to new situations.
- Play with cause and effect toys.
- Talk, read, and sing together.
- Consider making a plan for screen time.
Learn More
Your pediatrician will…
- Measure and weigh your baby to see how your baby is growing.
- Ask you some questions about how you are feeling, and how you are adjusting to live with your newborn.
- Complete a physical exam.
- Look at your baby
- Touch, feel, and move your baby’s arms and legs
- Listen to your baby’s heart
- Check your baby’s hearing
- *May need to take a blood sample from your child
- Provide you with information regarding your baby’s development.
- Provide you with information from the Centers for Disease Control (The CDC) and American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) regarding the recommended vaccination schedule.
Behavior
- Be consistent.
- Be positive.
- Limit yourself from saying “no”.
- Use distractions.
- Be a role model.
Nutrition
- Gradually increase table foods.
- Feed lots of different foods!
- Provide 3 meals a day.
- Encourage your baby to use a cup.
- Continue breastfeeding if you and your baby want to.
Safety
Car
- Use the rear-facing car safety seat in the back seat until 2 years old.
- Never put your baby in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag.
- Use your seat belt.
- Don’t drive after drinking or doing drugs.
- Don’t leave your baby in the car alone!
Household
- Do a Home Safety Check.
- If you keep guns in your home, store them unload and locked with the ammunition locked up seperately.
- Don’t leave heavy objects or hot liquids on tablecloths.
- Put the Poison Help number (800)222-1222 in your cell.
- Use “touch supervision” near water, pools, and bathtubs.
- Check your window guards.
Emergency
- Learn infant first aid and CPR
- Know emergency numbers
- Make an Emergency plan
twelve Month Visit
The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the twelve-month-old milestone.
Does your baby…
Social Language / Self-help
- Look for hidden objects?
- Imitate new gestures?
Verbal Language
- “Dada” or “mama”?
- Uses 1 other word that is not a name?
- Follow directions such as “give me your toy”?
Gross Motor
- Take first steps?
- Stand without support?
Fine Motor
- Drop an object in a cup?
- Pick up a small object with just a finger and thumb?
- Pick up food?
Try this…
- Keep up with your routine!
- Keep up with positive discipline strategies.
- Praise your baby for things you like.
- Spend time together every day.
- Continue 1 nap a day.
- Establish bedtime routines
- Make a plan for screen time.
Learn More
Your pediatrician will…
- Measure and weigh your baby to see how your baby is growing.
- Ask you some questions about how you are feeling, and how you are adjusting to live with your newborn.
- Complete a physical exam.
- Look at your baby
- Touch, feel, and move your baby’s arms and legs
- Listen to your baby’s heart
- Check your baby’s hearing
- *May need to take a blood sample from your child
- Provide you with information regarding your baby’s development.
- Provide you with information from the Centers for Disease Control (The CDC) and American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) regarding the recommended vaccination schedule.
Oral Health
- Find a dentist you and your baby like!
- Brush a child’s teeth 2x a day with a small smear of toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
- Offer your child only water and avoid added sugars.
Nutrition
- Encourage self-feeding by showing how you eat and praising when they do.
- Avoid small, hard foods.
- Provide healthy food and snacks! Make sure your caregivers do too.
- Feed 3 meals and 2 to 3 snacks a day. Toddlers tend to graze. Trust children to decide how much to eat.
Safety
Car
- Use the rear-facing car safety seat until necessary to change.
- Never put a child safety seat in a front seat with an airbag.
Household
- Use baby gates at stairs
- Keep furniture away from windows
- Use hat and UV protection clothes and sunscreen. Sun is strongest between 11:00am and 3:00pm.
- Keep children away from feeding pets, and monitor their interactions.
- Put the Poison Help number (800)222-1222 in your cell.
- Use “touch supervision” near water, pools, and bathtubs.
- Empty buckets, pools, or bathtubs after use.
- Check your window guards.
Emergency
- Learn infant first aid and CPR.
- Know emergency numbers.
- Make an Emergency plan.
fifteen Month Visit
The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the fifteen-month-old milestone.
Does your baby…
Social Language / Self-help
- Pretend to write or draw?
- Drink from a cup?
- Point to ask for something or to get help?
- Look around when they hear “Where’s your ball?” or “Where’s your blanket?”
Verbal Language
- Use 3 words other than names?
- Speak in sounds like an unknown language?
- Follow directions that do not include a gesture?
Gross Motor
- Squat to pick up objects?
- Crawl up a few steps?
- Run?
Fine Motor
- Make marks with a crayon?
- Drop objects in, and take objects out of a container?
Try this…
- Allow your child to choose between 2 options that are accessible to you.
- Speak reassuringly to your child. Stranger anxiety and separation anxiety reflect new cognitive gains.
- Take time for yourself and your partner. Connect with other parents.
- Use simple and clear words or phrases to promote language development and improve communication.
Learn More
Your pediatrician will…
- Measure and weigh your baby to see how your baby is growing.
- Ask you some questions about how you are feeling, and how you are adjusting to live with your newborn.
- Complete a physical exam.
- Look at your baby
- Touch, feel, and move your baby’s arms and legs
- Listen to your baby’s heart
- Check your baby’s hearing
- *May need to take a blood sample from your child
- Provide you with information regarding your baby’s development.
- Provide you with information from the Centers for Disease Control (The CDC) and American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) regarding the recommended vaccination schedule.
Bedtime
- Maintain consistent bedtime. Put your child to sleep drowsy but awake.
- If your child wakes up at night, reassure them briefly, give them a stuffed animal or blanket to begin teaching self-soothing.
- Don’t give a bottle in bed.
- Don’t put the TV/computer/tablet in the child’s bedroom.
Behavior
- Praise good behavior.
- Move things that might prompt conflict or tantrums.
- Use discipline for teaching, not punishing.
- Teach your child not to hit, bite, use aggressive behavior. Model good behavior.
Oral Health
- Find a dentist you and your baby like!
- Brush a child’s teeth 2x a day with a small smear of toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
- Introduce flossing
- Don’t share utensils or cups.
- If your child is using a night time bottle, use only water.
Safety
Car
- Use the rear-facing car safety seat until necessary to change.
- Never put a child safety seat in a front seat with an airbag.
- Make sure everyone is using the seat belt.
Household
- Use baby gates at stairs
- Keep furniture away from windows
- Put the Poison Help number (800)222-1222 in your cell.
- Check your window guards.
- Install smoke detectors on every level.
- Test the smoke detectors monthly, and change the batteries every year.
- Make a fire escape plan.
- Set your home water temperature to less than 120.
Eighteen Month Visit
The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the eighteen-month-old milestone.
Does your baby…
Social Language / Self-help
- Play with others?
- Help dress and undress self?
- Point to draw attention to objects of interest?
- Turn and look at you when something new happens?
- Begin to use a spoon to scoop?
- Use words to ask for help?
Verbal Language
- ID 2 body parts?
- Name at least 5 familiar objects?
Gross Motor
- Walk up steps with 2 feet per step?
- Sit in a small chair
- Carry a toy while walking?
Fine Motor
- Scribble spontaneously?
- Throw a small ball a few feet while standing?
Try this…
- Expect anxiety and clinging in new situations.
- Spend special time with your child every day.
- Make a plan for difficult situations, try new things to make them easier.
- Be consistent.
- Continue to try new foods. Let your toddler experiment.
- Read and sing with your child.
- Talk about feelings!
- Simple commands will help lessen confusion.
- Make time for technology-free play every day.
Learn More
Your pediatrician will…
- Measure and weigh your baby to see how your baby is growing.
- Ask you some questions about how you are feeling, and how you are adjusting to live with your newborn.
- Complete a physical exam.
- Look at your baby
- Touch, feel, and move your baby’s arms and legs
- Listen to your baby’s heart
- Check your baby’s hearing
- *May need to take a blood sample from your child
- Provide you with information regarding your baby’s development.
- Provide you with information from the Centers for Disease Control (The CDC) and American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) regarding the recommended vaccination schedule.
Potty Training
- Signs that your child may be ready for potty training:
- Dry diapers for about 2 hours.
- Knows when they are wet or dry.
- Can pull pants up and down.
- Can tell you they have poops.
- Read books about using the potty.
- Praise them for sitting on the potty.
Nutrition
- Offer a variety of healthy foods/snacks. Focus on:
- Vegetables.
- Fruits.
- Lean Proteins.
- Provide 1 bigger meal, multiple small meals/snacks.
- Trust your child to decide how much to eat.
- Provide 16 to 24 oz milk.
- Juice is not a necessary drink. If you choose to give juice, limit it to 4oz daily and always serve it with a meal.
Safety
Car
- Use the rear-facing car safety seat until necessary to change.
- Never put a child safety seat in a front seat with an airbag.
- Make sure everyone is using the seat belt.
Household
- Use baby gates at stairs
- Keep furniture away from windows
- Put the Poison Help number (800)222-1222 in your cell.
- Use hat/sun protection clothing and sunscreen.
- Remove firearms from home. If it is necessary, store it unloaded and locked, with the ammunition locked separately.
- Check your window guards.
- Install smoke detectors on every level.
- Test the smoke detectors monthly, and change the batteries every year.
- Make a fire escape plan.
Two Year Visit
The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the two-year-old milestone.
Does your baby…
Social Language / Self-help
- Play with other kids?
- Take off some clothes?
- Scoop well with spoons?
Verbal Language
- Use 50 words?
- Combine 2 words into phrases and sentences?
- Follow 2-step commands?
- Name at least 5 body parts?
- Speak in words that are 50% understandable to strangers?
Gross Motor
- Kick a ball?
- Jumps off the ground with 2 feet?
- Run smoothly?
- Climb a ladder at the playground?
Fine Motor
- Stack objects?
- Turn pages?
- Turn doorknobs?
- Open lids?
- Draw lines?
Try this…
- Praise good behavior.
- Listen to your child, and show them respect.
- Help your child express feelings such as joy, anger, sadness, frustration.
- Encourage your child to play independently for up to 60 minutes a day.
- Make time for learning through reading, talking, signing, and exploration.
- Limit TV.
- Speak clearly to model language.
- Read and look at books every day!
Learn More
Your pediatrician will…
- Measure and weigh your baby to see how your baby is growing.
- Ask you some questions about how you are feeling, and how you are adjusting to live with your newborn.
- Complete a physical exam.
- Look at your baby
- Touch, feel, and move your baby’s arms and legs
- Listen to your baby’s heart
- Check your baby’s hearing
- *May need to take a blood sample from your child
- Provide you with information regarding your baby’s development.
- Provide you with information from the Centers for Disease Control (The CDC) and American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) regarding the recommended vaccination schedule.
Potty Training
- Signs that your child may be ready for potty training:
- Dry diapers for about 2 hours.
- Knows when they are wet or dry.
- Can pull pants up and down.
- Can tell you they have poops.
- Plan for frequent potty breaks (up to 10 times a day)
- Teach hand washing.
Safety
- Be sure the car seat is installed correctly. The shoulder straps should be snug.
- Make sure everyone is wearing the seat belt.
- Supervise your child when outside, especially around cars, machinery, in streets, and water.
- Use a helmet for biking, skating, scooter.
- Remove guns from the home. If firearms are necessary, store the gun unloaded and locked, separately from the ammunition.
Two and a half year Visit
The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the two-and-a-half-year-old milestone.
Does your baby…
Social Language / Self-help
- Urinate on potty or toilet?
- Beginning fork eating?
- Wash and dry hands?
- Using imagination more?
- Say “Look at me!”
Verbal Language
- Use pronouns correctly?
Gross Motor
- Walk up steps, alternate feet?
- Run well without falling?
Fine Motor
- Copy a vertical line?
- Hold crayon with thumb and fingers instead of fist?
- Catch large balls?
Try this…
- Find and maintain routines:
- Mealtimes
- Bedtimes
- Family outings (museums, zoos, stores).
- Maintain friends.
- Be on the same page with rules, boundaries and limits.
- Read together.
- Listen when the child speaks and repeat them using good grammar.
- Encourage play with other kids.
- Give your child 2 appropriate choices.
- Limit TV
- Start considering preschool.
- Dress your child in clothes that are easy for them to dress themselves.
Learn More
Your pediatrician will…
- Measure and weigh your baby to see how your baby is growing.
- Ask you some questions about how you are feeling, and how you are adjusting to live with your newborn.
- Complete a physical exam.
- Look at your baby
- Touch, feel, and move your baby’s arms and legs
- Listen to your baby’s heart
- Check your baby’s hearing
- *May need to take a blood sample from your child
- Provide you with information regarding your baby’s development.
- Provide you with information from the Centers for Disease Control (The CDC) and American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) regarding the recommended vaccination schedule.
Safety
- Be sure the car seat is installed correctly. The shoulder straps should be snug.
- Make sure everyone is wearing the seat belt.
- Supervise your child when outside, especially around cars, machinery, in streets, and water.
- Use a helmet for biking, skating, scooter.
- Remove guns from the home. If firearms are necessary, store the gun unloaded and locked, separately from the ammunition.
- Install smoke detectors on every level.
- Test smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries yearly.
Three year Visit
The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the three-year-old milestone.
Does your baby…
Social Language / Self-help
- Potty independently?
- Dress self in coat or shirt?
- Eat independently?
- Use imagination?
- Share?
Verbal Language
- Use 3-word sentences?
- Speak in words that are 75% understandable to strangers?
- Tell you a story from a book or TV?
- Compare things (Ex. bigger, shorter)
- Understand simple prepositions (“on” or “under”)?
Gross Motor
- Pedal a tricycle?
- Climb on and off couch or chair?
- Jump forward?
Fine Motor
- Draw a circle?
- Draw a person with a head and 1 body part?
- Cut with child scissors?
Try this…
- Check with community agencies for support/needs.
- Ask your child: “Who loves you? How do you know?”
- Be there to support your child’s friendships by encouraging turn-taking and playing interactive games.
- Read with your child.
- Encourage your child to talk about friends, and experiences.
- Limit TV and screen time.
Learn More
Your pediatrician will…
- Measure and weigh your baby to see how your baby is growing.
- Ask you some questions about how you are feeling.
- Complete a physical exam.
- Look at your child.
- Touch, feel, and move your child’s arms and legs.
- Listen to your child’s heart.
- Check your child’s hearing.
- *May need to take a blood sample from your child
- Provide you with information regarding your child’s development.
- Provide you with information from the Centers for Disease Control (The CDC) and American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) regarding the recommended vaccination schedule.
Nutrition
- Always have cool water available.
- Provide 16 to 24 oz of low-fat/fat-free milk daily.
- Offer variety of healthy foods/snacks:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Protein
- Trust your child to decide how much to eat.
- Encourage physical activity
Safety
- Be sure the car seat is installed correctly. The shoulder straps should be snug.
- Make sure everyone is wearing the seat belt.
- Prevent choking by cutting food into small pieces.
- Supervise your child when outside, especially around cars, machinery, in streets, and water.
- Do not allow your child to cross the street alone.
- Use a helmet for biking, skating, scooter.
- Remove guns from the home. If firearms are necessary, store the gun unloaded and locked, separately from the ammunition.
- Install smoke detectors on every level.
- Test smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries yearly.
- Teach your child about pet safety.
four year Visit
The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the four-year-old milestone.
Does your baby…
Social Language / Self-help
- Potty independently?
- Brush teeth?
- Dress and undress?
- Use imagination with other children?
Verbal Language
- Use 4-word sentences?
- Speak in words that are understandable to strangers?
- Draw pictures that you can recognize?
- Follow simple rules when playing games?
- Tell you a story from a book?
Gross Motor
- Skip on 1 foot?
- Climb stairs, alternation feet without support?
Fine Motor
- Draw a person with at least 3 body parts?
- Draw a simple cross?
- Button and unbutton?
- Hold a pencil with the thumb and fingers instead of fist?
Try this…
- Check with community agencies for support/needs.
- Join the community!
- Read together with your child.
- Give your child time to finish their sentences.
- Keep your answers short and simple.
- Praise your child for being aware of others’ feelings.
- Brush teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
- Create a calm bedtime ritual.
- Enjoy mealtimes without TV.
Learn More
Your pediatrician will…
- Measure and weigh your child to see how your child is growing.
- Ask you some questions about how you are feeling.
- Complete a physical exam.
- Look at your child.
- Touch, feel, and move your child’s arms and legs.
- Listen to your child’s heart.
- Check your child’s vision and hearing.
- Check your child’s mouth for dental hygiene.
- Provide you with information regarding your child’s development.
- Provide you with information from the Centers for Disease Control (The CDC) and American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) regarding the recommended vaccination schedule.
- Provide you with information regarding the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233).
Nutrition
- Always have cool water available.
- Provide 16 to 24 oz of low-fat/fat-free milk daily.
- Offer variety of healthy foods/snacks:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Lean Protein
- Trust your child to decide how much to eat.
- Encourage physical activity.
Safety
- Be sure the car seat is installed correctly. The shoulder straps should be snug.
- Make sure everyone is wearing the seat belt.
- Prevent choking by cutting food into small pieces.
- Supervise your child when outside, especially around cars, machinery, in streets, and water.
- Do not allow your child to cross the street alone.
- Use a helmet for biking, skating, scooter.
- Remove guns from the home. If firearms are necessary, store the gun unloaded and locked, separately from the ammunition.
- Install smoke detectors on every level.
- Test smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries yearly.
- Teach your child about pet safety.
- Teach your child rules for safety:
- No adult should tell a child to keep secrets.
- No adult should express interest in private parts.
- No adult should ask a child for help with private parts.
Five and Six year Visits
The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the five and six year milestones.
Does your child…
- Balance on one foot?
- Hop?
- Skip?
- Tie a knot?
- Draw a person with at least 6 body parts?
- Print some letters and numbers?
- Follow simple directions?
- Dress independently?
Try this…
- Talk to your child about bullying.
- Encourage independence.
- Spend time and make time to talk.
- Check with community agencies for support/needs.
- Read together with your child.
- Give your child time to finish their sentences.
- Keep your answers short and simple.
- Praise your child for being aware of others’ feelings.
- Brush teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
- Create a calm bedtime ritual.
- Enjoy mealtimes without TV.
Learn More
Your pediatrician will…
- Measure and weigh your child to see how your child is growing.
- Ask you some questions about how you are feeling.
- Complete a physical exam.
- Look at your child.
- Touch, feel, and move your child’s arms and legs.
- Listen to your child’s heart.
- Check your child’s vision and hearing.
- Check your child’s mouth for dental hygiene.
- Provide you with information regarding your child’s development.
- Provide you with information from the Centers for Disease Control (The CDC) and American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) regarding the recommended vaccination schedule.
- Provide you with information regarding the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233).
Mental Health
- Continue routine.
- Assign household chores.
- Model calming techniques.
- Solve fights by talking, going outside and playing, or walking away.
School
- Get an early enough bedtime.
- Eat a healthy breakfast.
- Tour your school, and go to an open house.
- Be sure after-school care is safe and positive.
- Talk about their school day.
- Be active in the IEP process if your child has special needs.
Oral Health
- Help your child brush their teeth.
- Visit the dentist 2x a year.
- Help children choose healthy eating.
Nutrition
- Eat together as a family.
- Eat breakfast.
- Eat vegetables and fruits.
- Eat when you are hungry, and stop when you are satisfied.
- Drink milk 2 to 3 times a day.
- Limit sugary drinks and foods.
- Be physically active often during the day.
Safety
- Be sure the car seat is installed correctly. The shoulder straps should be snug.
- Teach safe street habits.
- Teach your child to wear helmets and pads.
- Teach your child to swim, and supervise them around water.
- Use sunscreen and wear hats.
- Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Make a fire escape plan.
- Teach your child rules for safety:
- No adult should tell a child to keep secrets.
- No adult should express interest in private parts.
- No adult should ask a child for help with private parts.
Seven and Eight year Visits
The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the five and six year milestones.
Does your child…
- Have caring and supporting relationships with family and friends?
- Eat well?
- Stay active?
Try this…
- Talk with your child.
- “What do you like best about school?”
- “Who do you talk to about your worries or things that make you mad?”
- “What would you do if you were on a website that scared you?”
- Eat together as a family.
Learn More
Your Pediatrician Will…
- Measure and weigh your child to see how your child is growing.
- Ask you some questions about how you are feeling.
- Complete a physical exam:
- Look at your child.
- Touch, feel, and move your child’s arms and legs.
- Listen to your child’s heart.
- Check your child’s vision and hearing.
- Check your child’s mouth for dental hygiene.
- Provide you with information regarding your child’s development.
- Provide you with information from the Centers for Disease Control (The CDC) and American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) regarding the recommended vaccination schedule.
- Provide you with information regarding the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233).
Mental Health
- Encourage independence and self-responsibility.
- Discuss rules and consequences.
- Be a positive role model.
- Don’t hit or let others hit.
- Talk about worries.
- Be aware of pubertal changes; and answer questions simply.
School
- Get an early enough bedtime.
- Eat a healthy breakfast.
- Show interest in your child’s school and activities.
- Talk to your child’s teachers.
- Be active in the IEP process.
Physical
- Visit the dentist 2x a year.
- Help children choose healthy eating.
- Limit sugary drinks and snacks.
- Wear a mouthguard while playing sports.
Nutrition
- Eat breakfast.
- Eat vegetables and fruits.
- Eat when you are hungry, and stop when you are satisfied.
- Drink milk 2 to 3 times a day.
- Limit sugary drinks and foods.
- Be physically active often during the day.
Safety
- Be sure the car seat is installed correctly. The shoulder straps should be snug.
- Teach safe street habits.
- Teach your child to wear helmets and pads.
- Teach your child to swim, and supervise them around water.
- Use sunscreen and wear hats.
- Know your child’s friends.
- Teach home safety rules for emergencies.
- Teach your child rules for safety:
- No adult should tell a child to keep secrets.
- No adult should express interest in private parts.
- No adult should ask a child for help with private parts.
Additional Resources for Parents and Caregivers
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The Mental Health Action Team
The Mental Health Action Team is made up of parents, caregivers, and organizations that serve children or provide youth mental health services. Our team meets regularly and works together to identify and implement strategies to improve mental health outcomes for young children in Forsyth County. Learn More.
Participating Organizations
Amos Cottage
Children’s Developmental Services Agency (CDSA)
Child Care Resource Center
Crossnore School and Children’s Home
The Department of Family and Community Medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Forsyth County Department of Social Services
Family Services, Inc.
Forsyth Futures
Imprints Cares
Mental Health Association
Novant Health
The Parenting Path
School Health Alliance for Forsyth County
Wake Forest Baptist Health Downtown Health Plaza
Winston-Salem / Forsyth County Schools