ToddlerGuide

Visit

24-month checkpoint

Two years is two-word phrases for most children, an autism screen at the clinic, and a plate that may come back full. Bring examples, not a score.

A parent writes in a small notepad on a wooden waiting-room chair while a toddler in cream knit clothes sits beside them near a window and plants.

A parent writes in a small notepad on a wooden waiting-room chair while a toddler in cream knit clothes sits beside them near a window and plants.

CDC milestones by 2 years says most children notice when someone is hurt or upset, look at your face in a new situation, point to pictures, say at least two words together, point to at least two body parts, add gestures, use both hands for a job, kick a ball, run, walk up a few stairs, and eat with a spoon.

AAP repeats the autism screen at 24 months. If no one hands you a form, ask. The form is not a verdict. It is the structured look the visit is for.

Food and potty will come up because they come up in the house. CDC says most children are not ready to toilet train until 2 to 3 years. Picky eating is expected. Do not let the visit become a contest about underwear and kale.

Try this

  1. Write two phrases you have heard, even if they are messy.
  2. Write what a typical plate looks like this week.
  3. Ask whether the autism screen is happening today.
  4. Ask about milk fat if the second birthday has passed.
  5. Ask what to watch before the 30-month general screen.

Media can be named in one sentence: about an hour of high-quality programming, with you, after 2. Screens out of the bedroom. Then return to sleep and words. Those are the bigger jobs.

If you leave with only a shot record and no discussion of language, call back. The visit has more than one job. You are allowed to ask for the other job.

In the house this month

Two-word phrases can be messy and still count. More milk and go car are phrases. Bring them. Do not wait for a sentence that would satisfy an English teacher.

Ask about the autism screen if it is not mentioned. AAP repeats it at 24 months on purpose. You are not being extra. You are asking for the visit that was designed.

Potty pressure from a classroom can show up at this visit. Use the readiness post. Ask the clinician to put a sentence in the chart if you need it for the school.

Milk fat often changes at 2. Ask before you switch if growth has been a worry. Then change one drink at a time.

What you can skip

Skip waiting for perfect sentences. Skip a potty contest. Skip assuming the autism screen already happened.

Skip switching milk fat without asking if growth has been a worry.

Keep the range in view

Two-word phrases, an autism screen, a plate that may come back full. Ask if the screen is happening. Potty is readiness, not a deadline. Milk fat may change. Language still comes first.

Keep the range in view

If you leave with only a shot record, call back. Language and the screen are the other job of the visit. You are allowed to ask for that job.

Check in if

Ask your pediatrician about screening if it is not offered. Call the pediatrician if two-word phrases are absent, pointing is absent, or a skill was lost.

Related ages: 18-24 months, 24-36 months. Pillars: Food, Behavior.

Sources

  1. CDC. Milestones by 2 years. cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/2-years.html
  2. CDC. Developmental monitoring and screening. cdc.gov/act-early
  3. Lipkin PH, Macias MM. Promoting optimal development through surveillance and screening. Pediatrics. 2020;145(1):e20193449. publications.aap.org
  4. American Academy of Pediatrics. Bright Futures information for parents: 2 year visit. aap.org