Motherhood, a wonderful job that never ends, has more pitfalls than a football field but is completely worth it when you see your offspring smile and laugh. Now that you have proven you are a good and caring mother, it’s time to know how good you have been.
It may be your 3 year old check up test, but it still feels like it is a test of how well you are coping with the demands of being responsible for your child’s well-being and care. Your pediatrician will evaluate and maintain records of your child’s health and growth including milestones during this 3 year old check up.
Here is a Quick Guide of What to Expect During Doctor Visit of Your Child’s 3 Year Old Check Up
At three years your child will be happy to visit the doctor for a check. At this age, your baby is curious to know what is happening and is quite eager to please you. You will find your child willingly offer their name, age and talk with your doctor without you having to prompt them. Your child would also want to know about his or her body unlike two-year-old babies who are reticent. Make sure you do not visit the doctor when it is his or her nap time or feeding time if you are looking forward to a good experience during the check-up.
You Can Expect Your Child’s Doctor to:
- Check your baby’s weight and height to understand if the growth is steady and at a healthy rate.
- Check for heart and breathing rate and temperature to look for any growth issues.
- Check the baby’s blood pressure.
- Check the baby’s eyes and ears for any developmental issues.
Of all the check-ups that you can expect to be done the most important one is the physical examination. Here, the doctor will measure and weigh your child to record his physical growth. As a parent, you should be ready for questions that your doctor may ask.
Your 3 Year old’s Sleep Cycle:
Kids this age generally sleep about 11–12 hours a day. Some still take a nap during the day.
How Your 3 Year Old Reacts With Others?
No doubt your child will prefer your company more than others. However, at this age, it will be easier for him or her to separate a bit from you to interact and make some new friends. Interaction with others is a sign that shows the baby’s growth and maturity.
What Your 3 Year Old Should Eat?
Growth is slow and steady during the preschool years. Make sure your child eats three meals and two nutritious snacks a day. Keep offering a variety of healthy foods even if your child is a picky eater.
Is Your 3 Year Old Comfortable Sharing Toys?
Most kids don’t like sharing when it comes to their toys, but as a guardian, you must teach him or her to share and enjoy. If possible, make the baby play games that require sharing.
Is Your 3 Year Old Check Up Left or Right Handed?
At age 3 the baby mostly has a dominant hand, but if your child is confused about which hand to use then he or she could be ambidextrous or may have some coordination problems. You can always tell your doctor, and let him or her check for the baby’s coordination.
Is Your 3 Year Old Potty Trained?
If your child is not potty trained yet, be sure to let the doctor know this. Most often a few babies are not ready to get trained till they reach 4 years of age.
Questions You Can Ask Your Child’s Doctor:
• How much food does my child need?
• When should he or she eat?
• What food and drink should I offer my child?
• Possible ways to keep him as healthy as possible
Immunizations:
Most immunizations and shots for the baby are administered between 0-20 months initially. The next round of doses starts 4 years on wards. However, it pays to stay up-to-date with your 3 year old’s checkup shots. In case you have missed any you can consult the doctor and get them administered.
Things to Check Before You Go To The Doctor:
Immunizations:
Most children don’t need any vaccinations at their 3 year old check up, but if your child has skipped some during the earlier months then the doctor may recommend some. Some of the vaccinations given under the age of 3 are against
• hepatitis A and B
• diphtheria
• tetanus
• pertussis
• influenza, polio
• chicken pox
• measles, and mumps
Tips for Parents:
Make sure your child speaks at the doctor’s as much as possible, reassure your baby by staying close to him or her in the examination room, but check to see how much he or she can handle on his own.
Apart from the above-discussed points here are a few important things to keep in mind:
Feeding:
• Make sure that your preschooler gets at least 2 cups or 480 ml of milk every day.
• Liquid intake is important but avoid juices high in sugar or available in tetra packs and limit juice intake to 120-180 ml in a day.
• Make it a point to have at least one meal a day where the family gets to sit and eat together.
Day to Day Care Tips
• Even if your child doesn’t sleep in the afternoon, allow him or her some time to wind down a little during the daytime.
• Imagination is at its peak at this stage, so nightmares are not uncommon. Try to maintain a regular bedtime routine and avoid scary images or television shows before sleep.
• Restrict the screen time to not more than 1-2 hours in a day.
• Avoid spanking
• Read a bedtime story.
• Make sure your child brushes teeth twice a day.
Safety:
Other than general safety measures like a safe play area and observance of other safety measures, always be around your child. Use sunscreen and anti-mosquito lotions when your child is playing outdoors.
Do make sure you also talk or discuss about people who have the most contact with your baby. If they are suffering from any health issues then understand what precautions you can take to keep your baby healthy and safe.
Medically Reviewed By
