When your toddler is 15 months old, it’s time for another well-child visit to your pediatrician. Well-child visits are important to ensure that your child is healthy, getting vaccinated according to schedule, and developing appropriately. Your pediatriatrician can also address any concerns and treat any medical issues your child may have.
During your toddler’s 15-month checkup, your pediatrician will probably:
- Check your child’s weight, length and head circumference: They will plot measurements on growth charts and check if they are appropriate for your toddler’s age.
- Perform a complete physical exam: They will perform a complete physical exam, including an eye exam and tooth exam, as well as check their heart and lungs. They will also pay attention to your child’s motor skills and behaviors.
- Update vaccinations: Vaccinations protect kids from serious childhood illnesses, so children must receive them on time. Immunization schedules can vary from office to office, so talk to your pediatrician about what to expect.
- Address concerns: Your pediatrician would address concerns regarding your toddler and offer guidance about the following:
- Eating: By 15 months, your child is probably eating a variety of foods. They should be eating 3 meals and 2-3 scheduled nutritious snacks a day. It is normal for a child's appetite to decrease slowly around this age. Your toddler should be able to drink from a cup on their own and may be able to use a spoon.
- Pooping: A child’s stool frequency and appearance will change (even day to day) as they are introduced to new foods. You should let the pediatrician know if your child has diarrhea or constipation.
- Sleeping: Toddlers need around 12-14 hours of sleep a day, including 1-2 daytime naps.
- Development: By 15 months, toddlers may be able to:
- Say 3-5 words
- Understand and follow simple commands
- Point to a body part
- Walk alone
- Begin to run
- Climb on furniture
- Scribble with a crayon.
- Imitate activities such as housework
What questions will your pediatrician ask?
Your pediatrician may ask the following questions during your visit:
- How is your toddler's appetite?
- What type of foods are they eating?
- How are their motor skills? Are they able to feed themselves with their hands or a spoon? Are they able to point to body parts?
- Are they able to drink from a cup or bottle?
- How are their bowel and bladder habits?
- What is your toddler’s sleeping pattern?
- How do they interact with other children or adults around them?
What questions should you ask your pediatrician?
You may have the following questions for your pediatrician.
- How is my toddler’s overall health?
- How is my toddler’s growth and development for their age?
- What vaccinations should my toddler be given?
- What type of foods should I feed my toddler?
- How can I encourage my toddler to eat different foods?
- How to solve feeding problems
- What should my toddler’s sleeping pattern be?
- Any other concerns, such as use of supplements or sleep positioners
When is the next checkup for your child?
Your next well-child visit will be at 18 months. You may visit earlier if you have any concerns related to your toddler’s health.
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Medically Reviewed on 6/24/2021
References
https://pediatriccare.solutions.aap.org/chapter.aspx?sectionid=55024582&bookid=990
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/babys-15-month-checkup-what-to-expect
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/babys-15-month-checkup-what-to-expect
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