Ten Ways to Ensure Your Little One is Totally Healthy

Toddlers are bouncing bundles of joy. They are delightful little big kids. Toddlers are no longer babies. They are learning about the world around them and beginning to explore it. We all know that health is important. How important though? When it comes to toddlers it is remarkably important.

In the second, third and fourth years toddlers grow rapidly. This growth is not only the physical kind, but also the intellectual kind. Toddlers need good physical health to grow in all ways. They depend on us, their parents, to make sure that they are healthy in every way possible. Here are ten things you can do as a parent to ensure that your toddler is as healthy as he or she can possibly be.

1. The first and most important thing that you as a parent can do to ensure your toddlers health. is to make sure that your child is up to date on all of his or her vaccinations. This is the best way to ensure your child's health. Without the super important vaccines your child is at risk for contracting several dangerous diseases.

2. The second thing that you can do to make sure your toddler is as healthy as can be is to make sure that they see their doctor frequently. Schedule check ups even if your child is not sick. Well health visits are very important. Sometimes something can be wrong that has no symptoms. At a check up your doctor will make sure that your toddlers nutrition, teeth and growth are all alright. The doctor may test for lead poisoning, and iron level. Without check ups a child is not as healthy as they could possibly be.

3. The third thing that you can do to keep your child healthy is to call the doctor when you suspect that something is wrong. If your child is running a fever it is a sign of infection. If they are complaining of pain check it out. If they are not acting like themselves and seem extra sleepy or are inactive have them seen. Keep a watchful eye on your child's over all physical appearance. When you see a rash or that your child has lost their color give it prompt attention. Have them seen by their doctor quickly to make sure that they have not come down with or contracted something that could be serious. Your doctor will make sure it is treated properly if they have, often prescribing medications that are not available without a written prescription.

4. The fourth thing you can do to make sure your child is as healthy as can be is to make sure that they are eating adequately. Without a variety of foods from each of the food groups your child may not get enough nutrition. Each and everyday toddlers need fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, dairy and limited amounts of sugars. A toddlers who eats primarily junk food is not as healthy as they could be nor is one who is served only hot dogs and macaroni and cheese day in and day out. Lack of nutrition affects both growth and learning. Just because your toddler is eating a lot doesn't mean that they are eating the right foods.

5. The fifth thing that you can do to make sure your toddler is healthy is to make sure that they are hydrated. In the hot months we know to increase the amount of fluids that we give our little ones. Did you know that fluids are still just as important in the cold months too? Each day your little one needs to have at least eight six ounce glasses of water. This ensures that he or she will not become dehydrated. Milk and juice are also great fluid options, but try to avoid giving drinks such as soda.

6. The sixth thing that you can do to make sure your toddler is healthy is to make sure they are happy. Spend lots of time with your little one. Talk to them kindly, and often. Offer many hugs and kisses throughout the day. When a little one feels loved, important, special, and adored they are happy. When a toddler is happy they are much more likely to be healthy. Happiness is an aspect of health, emotional health. Emotional health greatly effects physical health.

7. The seventh thing that you can do to keep your toddler healthy is to teach them. Practice counting and the alphabet. Watch educational movies together. Sit down a couple of times per day and read a book or story to, and with your child. Intellectual health is also a factor in overall health. Toddlers are at the point in their lives where they are ready to learn all of those things that they'll need to know before entering school. Now is the time to start. Support and enhance your child's intellectual health by teaching them. Consider it quality time, well spent.

8. The eighth thing that you can do to keep your little one healthy is to take them outside to play. Children need fresh air and sunshine. Remember to dress them appropriately for the weather and then let them loose. Kids love to explore the great outdoors. Always supervise toddlers when outside. Stay right there with them because toddlers have not yet gained the skills or knowledge to keep themselves safe outside alone.

9. The ninth thing you can do to keep your toddler healthy is to keep them safe. Supervision was briefly mention in tip eight, and deserves to be a tip of it's own. Toddlers need to be supervised constantly. Without proper supervision accidents happen. Toddlers are quick, and known for getting into things that they shouldn't. Even when all unsafe objects are out of reach it doesn't mean that your clever little one won't find a way to get them. Watching what your toddler is doing is the only way to guarantee they won't get themselves into an unsafe situation.

10. The tenth thing that you can do to keep your toddler as healthy as the can possibly be is all of the above. Health includes physical health, emotional health, and intellectual health. Consider all of the areas of your child's health to keep them healthy. Take the steps towards maintain all aspects of your child's health. Include your doctor in your efforts. Ask questions. Your doctors knows. They will help you to keep your child healthy, gladly! Thanks for reading and take care!