Top toddler health issues
Here's a quick rundown of some of the most common toddler health issues – and why they're usually nothing to worry about!
From oral health and sketchy social skills to things that go bump in the night, we address some of your biggest toddler worries.
Head bumps
As they learn to walk, run, climb, and jump, all toddlers fall. The good news is that the majority of bumps are minor, so there is no need to be concerned. So, when should you be concerned? If your child experiences any loss of consciousness, contact your doctor right away. If not, but the fall was significant, keep an eye out for indicators of head injury. Vomiting during the first six to eight hours after a bump is identified, disorientation, extreme tiredness, pupils that do not appear equal or typically responsive, slurred speech, or dizziness are also symptoms that require a trip to the GP.
Social abilities
Don’t expect your toddler to play with other children until s/he is three years old. Before that age, children will play next to each other, but rarely together. While you may observe your toddler watching others at play, they won’t usually interact. Remember that some children take longer to warm up in a group situation, or they simply prefer to play alone.
A lisp
A lisp is a speech impediment that specifically relates to making the sounds associated with the letters S and Z. Many children lose their lisp; however, if your child hasn’t lost her lisp by the age of four or five, it’s time to consult a speech therapist. Also, if your child has a lisp, don’t draw attention to it because it can harm her self-esteem. Instead, simply repeat the word with the correct pronunciation to her. Hopefully, she will notice and repair the error.
Dental health
Most toddlers should visit the dentist for the first time around the age of one, but home care for your child’s teeth can begin much earlier. Before going to bed, gently wipe the first tooth with a soft washcloth or toothbrush. Brush your toddler’s teeth gently with water or a small amount of non-fluoride toothpaste around the age of one year. Also, ask your dentist about fluoride, which is vital for tooth development. She may advise using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, even if your kid does not yet rinse and spit, or taking supplements if your drinking water lacks fluoride.
Night terrors
Night terrors are episodes of intense screaming, crying, thrashing, or fear during sleep that happen again and again, usually in children ages 3 to 12. It is referred to as a night terror if it occurs at the same time every night. Night terrors are nothing to be concerned about and common in children over the age of 18 months. Set your alarm clock for 30 minutes before your child usually wakes up crying, then go in and gently wake him up. This can stop the sleep cycle that leads to night terrors. If you do this for two or three nights, your child’s night terrors should be gone.
