coronavirus

Anatomical Vulnerabilities

The ear and throat structures are short and straight, and lymphoid tissue remains large.

• High risk for Otitis Media.
• High risk for Tonsillitis.
• High risk for Upper Respiratory Infections.

health_and_safety

Digestive Maturation

• Processes are fairly complete; stomach capacity allows for 3 meals a day.
• Gastric Acidity continues to increase, destroying bacteria.
• Voluntary elimination control is achieved.

15 to 18 Months

• Walks alone independently (15 mo).
• Creeps upstairs on hands and knees.
• Runs faster (often falls) & Jumps in place (18 mo).
• Throws ball overhand without falling.

• Holds two cubes in one hand (15 mo).
• Removes simple clothes like shoes (18 mo).
• Holds cup with both hands & eats with spoon.

24 to 30 Months

• Goes up/down stairs, two feet per step (24 mo).
• Kicks ball forward without overbalancing.
• Jumps from chair, stands on one foot (30 mo).

• Opens door by turning doorknob (24 mo).
• Aligns cubes like a train (24 mo).
• Holds crayon with fingers rather than fist (30 mo).

record_voice_over

Language Development

• 15 Months: Says 4 to 6 words, asks for things by pointing.
• 24-30 Months: Vocabulary of ~300 words, uses "I", 2-3 word phrases.
• Can name one color and verbalize needs (toileting/food).

psychology

Erikson & Freud

• Erikson (Autonomy vs. Shame): Drive to perform tasks alone to gain control.
• Gains confidence from self-feeding and walking.
• Freud (Anal Stage): Developing physical autonomy via sphincter control.

visibility

Piaget (Sensorimotor)

• Ages 0 to 2 years.
• Exploration occurs through sensory experiences and motor activities.
• Parallel Play: Toddlers play alongside, not with, other children.

Temper Tantrums

• Includes kicking, screaming, and breath-holding tactics.
• Stems from a drive for autonomy and a lack of motor/cognitive skills.
• Management: Consistent expectations, prioritize rules, and use reasonable consequences.

Negativism

• Persistent negative response ("no") is a necessary assertion of self-control, not insolence.
• Management: Reduce opportunities for a "no" answer.
• Say "I am going to listen to your heart" instead of asking "Can I?" to prevent mistrust.

Regression

• Retreating to past levels of behavior during stress to conserve psychic energy.
• Common because stress hinders mastery of new tasks.
• Management: Ignore regression while praising existing appropriate behavior.

restaurant

Nutrition & Feeding

• Needs 1300 calories/day; high protein (13g/day) needed for muscle/activity.
• At ~18 months, physiologic anorexia occurs (decreased appetite).
• Toddlers become picky, fussy eaters with strong preferences.
• Require 3 meals & 2 snacks daily.

bedtime

Sleep & Toilet Training

• Sleep averages 11 to 12 hours a day; prone to bedtime resistance.
• Toilet training requires voluntary sphincter control, typically achieved between 18 and 24 months.
• AAPD recommends an oral health exam by 6 months of age or within 6 months of the first tooth eruption.

🚗 Motor Vehicles

Primary cause of accidental death (ages 1-4).

• Unrestrained children in the front seat are at highest risk.
• Improper use of restraints causes many fatalities.

🌊 Drowning

Ages 12-36 months at highest risk.

• Infant drowning most commonly occurs in the bathtub.
• Swimming lessons are not sufficient protection alone.

🔥 Burns

• Kitchen Hazards: Pulling pots with hot liquids, oil, and grease.
• Use guards for radiators and fireplaces.
• Sunburns are a year-round concern.

💊 Poisoning

• Risk due to mouthing objects and opening "childproof" containers.
• Can cause severe morbidity like esophageal strictures.

🩹 Falls

• Playground injuries are common.
• Use passive prevention (sand/wood chips) under equipment.

🌭 Choking

• Difficulty with large foods (hot dogs) and hard foods (nuts).
• Cannot discard pits or bones; careful food selection required.