Parental Guidance

Parental Guidance for child

Age-appropriate anticipatory guidance is provided to parents at various well child visits.

First Week to 1 Month
•Place infant to sleep on back to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
•Use of a car seat.
•Knowing signs of an illness.
•Maintaining a smoke-free environment (associated with SIDS and ear infections).
•Maintain water temperature at < 120°F (48.8°C).
•Do not give honey to a child under 1 year of age (botulism).

2 Months to 1 Year
•Childproof home to keep children safe from poisons, household cleaners,
medications, plastic bags, electrical outlets, hot liquids, matches,
small and sharp objects, guns, and knives.
•Explain proper use of syrup of ipecac for poisonings, and give telephone
number to local poison control hotline.
•No solid food until 4 to 6 months.
•Avoid baby walkers.
•Do not put baby to bed with bottle, as it can cause dental caries.
•Breast-feed or give iron-fortified formula, but no whole milk until after
1 year of age.
•Avoid choking hazards such as peanuts, popcorn, carrot sticks, hard
candy, whole grapes, and hot dogs.
•May start using cup at 6 to 9 months.

1 to 5 Years
•Use toddler car seat if proper weight.
•Brush teeth.
•Wean from bottle.
•Make sure home is childproof again.
•Allow child to eat with hands or utensils.
•Use sunscreen.
•Wear bicycle helmet.
•Provide close supervision, especially near dogs, driveways, streets, and lawnmowers.
•Make appointment with dentist by 2 years of age.
•Ensure child is supervised when near water; build fence around swimming pool.

6 to 10 Years
•Reinforce personal hygiene.
•Teach stranger safety.
•Provide healthy meals and snacks.
•Keep matches and guns out of children’s reach.
•Use seat belt always.

11 to 21 Years
•Continue to support a healthy diet and exercise.
•Wear appropriate protective sports gear.
•Counsel on safe sex and avoiding alcohol and drugs.
•Promote a healthy social life.
•Ask about mood or eating disorders.