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Now You Are 2!

• Development

  Your child is learning many new skills at this time:

  

  • Independence
  • Running, climbing, they’re on the go!
  • Loves to play but not to share!
  • Enjoys looking at books, turning the pages and listening to stories
  • Turns from laughter to anger very quickly - this moment is frequently referred to a temper tantrum.

  As a parent try to be……..

  • Consistent
  • Cool and calm
  • Be clear and concise with instructions                         
  • Give your child choices         
  • Praise and reward the many positives about your child

  http://bit.ly/NHSDifficultBehaviour
  
  Your local Children's Centre can help with promoting the development of your child. Find out what they have on offer, contact them today. 
  
  

  Central Beds:     http://bit.ly/CBChildrensCentres 
  Beds Borough:   http://bit.ly/BBChildrensCentres

  
  
  

• Safety

  Check your smoke alarms

  Keep cleaning products, medicines and matches out of sight in secure, high level cupboards

  Store button batteries securely as  they are very dangerous if swallowed

  Make sure hair straighteners, hot pans and the iron are
  never left within reach of your child.

  Look at your window blind cords through the eyes of your child, and check they are out of reach or have a safety
  mechanism if caught around your child’s neck

  Secure tall cupboards, drawers and TVs to the wall so they can’t fall over

  Practice safe sleeping for your toddler or child:
  www.basisonline.org.uk 

  Secure upstairs windows with locks or catches, and keep your stairs safe

  Check your car seat is fitted correctly: 
  http://bit.ly/StaySafeOnTheRoad 

  Child Accident Prevention Trust:  www.capt.org.uk

  
  
  

• Let's Get Talking At 2

  Wow your child is nearly 2! Our 5 top tips to help you child’s talking can be found, along with videos to  watch, on our website: https://childspeechbedfordshire.nhs.uk/

  At two, children are typically using around 50 words and beginning to put two words together. They should be following simple instructions and enjoying playing with you. If you have any concerns about your child’s speech and language then contact us.

  
  
  

• Dental Health

  Keeping our children’s teeth clean is important for good health.  A regular routine will help

  

   keep teeth healthy and decay-free.  Brush teeth with adult fluoride toothpaste (no less than 1000ppm) twice a day for about 2 minutes, and keep sugary food and drink to mealtimes. 

  Check out Dr Ranj and Supertooth for further advice.  
  www.youtube.com/watch?v=owbp5F0K45c

  
  

• Sleep

  All children are individual - some will sleep with a nap in the daytime.

  Key factors to aid sleep:

  • Calm & predictable bedtime routine
  • Environment: restful, quiet and dark
    (A night light will help the fear of darkness)
  • Avoid: caffeine & screens
  • Keep: active & healthy

  Sleep is aligned to development - understanding the science is helpful: 
  www.basisonline.org.uk 

  http://bit.ly/NHSSleepProblemsInChildren

• Immunisatons

  Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our children against ill health.

  The nasal spray flu vaccine is free on the NHS for: children aged 2 or 3 years.  

  Check out the immunisation schedule via: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations

• Eating & Drinking

  You can find information about eating well in the first years though First Steps Nutrition website. Children from 1-4 years old  need to eat well to establish good eating patterns, ensure they grow and develop appropriately, to protect their teeth and to ensure they arrive in school at a healthy body weight able to enjoy a variety of minimally processed foods. 

  http://bit.ly/FirstStepsNutrition

• Getting Ready for Nursery / Preschool

  Starting school is a huge step in a child’s life – and
  it can be understandably daunting for both the child
  and their parents or carers. Check in with Central
  Beds or Beds Borough Councils for advice and support.

  Local Offers

  • Central Beds Local Offer
  • Beds Borough Local Offer

  2yr funding: 

  • Central Beds Funding: http://bit.ly/CB2YearFunding
  • Beds Borough Funding: http://bit.ly/BB2YearFunding

• Toilet Training

  Every child is different; they learn to walk and talk at different times and they learn how to use the toilet at different times too. Most children are ready to be potty trained between 18 months and 3 years.

  Some of the following are signs that your child may be ready:

  • Your child notices when they are doing a wee or poo, or when they think they need the toilet
  • They are able to sit down on a toilet or potty and get back up again
  • Your child stays dry for 1-2 hours or longer.

  Remember all children are different in learning this new skill, so be patient.

  Key factors to help:

  • Check whether your child is physically ready
  • Make connections e.g. sit them on their potty or toilet with toilet seats with nappies on
  • Make sure they are drinking well: 6-8 cups of water based fluid throughout the day
  • Talk about wee and poo e.g.  read story books  
  • Go for it! Nappy Off!
  • Make it fun