Toddlers are sneaky little creatures. They can get themselves into a whole lot of trouble if we let them. Most toddlers are pretty healthy, without any major medical problems. But, they risk their health and safety by getting into things they shouldn’t. Their little bodies can do so much, but their brains can’t warn them of the dangers around them. As moms taking care of toddlers, we always have to be on guard. Here, I’ll share with you some of the most common medical concerns in toddlers, with a few tips on how to prevent and/or treat these issues.
The Serious
Accidents
According to the CDC, unintentional injuries (from burns, drowning, falls, poisoning and road traffic) are the #1 cause of death in children in the U.S. This is especially true in toddlers. These injuries are absolutely heartbreaking for families. Especially since they are preventable in a lot of cases.
Burns
My 22 month-old son has learned how to carry the step stool around the house, so that he can reach and get things he wants off the counter. He’s done this once in the kitchen, and we quickly put a stop to this! I couldn’t imagine how I’d feel if he touched the hot stove or pulled a pot of boiling water onto himself! He has to be watched at all times!
It’s so important to keep your toddler out of the kitchen, and away from hot surfaces. Also, watch your kids around BBQ grills, waffle makers, griddles, toasters, irons, flat irons, fireworks, even fire pits. (I once treated a child with a pretty bad burn to his hand after touching coals from a fire pit in his back yard – it happens)! A fun holiday celebration can turn negative pretty quickly once a little one gets burned. So, be on guard, especially during busy, “fun” times.
Drowning
I can’t talk enough about Water Safety. It’s so important to teach your child early on how to swim. But, even if your child knows how to swim, an adult should always be on guard when children are in the pool. Assign an adult “Water Watcher”, especially during parties and celebrations – someone who won’t be distracted. Make sure there’s a pool gate or barrier around any type of water. This way, if your child does sneak away, he can’t get into the water by accident.
Falls
Let’s be real. Falls are bound to happen for most toddlers. Even as babies, they may surprise you by rolling off the couch or bed. It’s happened to the best of us. Once they start to walk, they bump into walls. They trip over their own two feet and fall to the ground. Most falls aren’t life-threatening, but sometimes there are BIG falls that should be addressed right away. If your child falls more than 3 feet, is inconsolable or unarousable, vomits, or has changes to his speech or the way he walks, then he needs to be seen right away. Even without these symptoms, if you’re concerned about your child after a fall, call your Pediatrician.
Poisoning
Because their little hands can get into just about anything, it’s important to keep poisons out of your toddler’s reach. Lock up cleaning supplies, including laundry and dish detergent, and car and lawn care items as well. Medications can be poisonous if overdosed on, so keep them in child-proof bottles, hidden away from your kids. Keep the number for poison control handy at all times, because you never know when you’ll need it. The poison control operator can guide you through the next steps to take if your child ingests something he shouldn’t. You’ll know whether it’s safe to stay at home and treat, or if an ER visit is necessary. The number is (800) 222-1222. Write it down!
Road Traffic
This includes car accidents as well as toddlers being struck as pedestrians. Car accidents aren’t always preventable, since you can’t control what the driver next to you is doing. But, you can make sure your child is always in a car seat when riding in the car. Be sure he’s wearing a helmet while riding a bike or tricycle. Teach him about road safety and watching out for cars. To hold an adult’s hand and to not run in parking lots (we have to remind our kids of this one all the time!). Your little one can learn early on to look both ways before going into the street. Do what you can to keep your kids safe on the road.
Choking
Choking can still be a big risk for your toddler. He doesn’t have a full set of teeth yet, and may not always be coordinated when chewing and swallowing. I admit that I get a little slack sometimes when it comes to cutting up my toddler’s food and really watching them while he eats. I figure he’s got the hang of it and should be Ok. But, I have to remind myself to still watch him closely. To prevent choking, offer small bites of food that your toddler can handle, and have him seated for all meals and snacks. Since your toddler can also choke on non-food items, watch for small things around the house that he can put in his mouth. If you have older kids, keep your toddler away from their toys with small parts.
If your child is choking and you can see the food (or object) in his mouth and safely pull it out, go ahead and do it. But, if you can’t see it, don’t blindly sweep your finger back and forth in his mouth. You will likely make it worse. Be sure to know and practice CPR, just in case.
Vaccine-preventable illnesses
Just like infants, it’s important for your toddler to stay up-to-date with his vaccines. The same illnesses that can affect your newborn, can also affect an unvaccinated toddler. Things like tetanus, the flu, rotavirus, measles, chicken pox, meningitis, and bacteria in the blood can be prevented through vaccines. So, keep your well visit appointments, and keep your toddler on track with his shots.
The Not-So-Serious
Colds
Your toddler can – and likely will – get lots of colds in the first few years. Especially if he’s in daycare. Colds are caused by viruses, which usually last 10-14 days, and resolve on their own. Really, the only thing you can do is to keep your child comfortable through it. The typical over-the-counter cough and cold medications aren’t recommended for kids less than 4 years old. So stay away from Robitussin, Mucinex, Delsym, etc. There’s just no “safe” dose that’s recommended for your toddler. There are all-natural remedies that contain honey, which can work well for a cough. But, only give honey if your child is over 12 months! Natural remedies like saline to the nose, suctioning, a cool mist humidifier, or steamy shower have been shown to relieve cold symptoms in children.
Other breathing problems
Besides a regular cold, your toddler can also develop lung or breathing problems like pneumonia, croup, the flu, bronchiolitis, etc. The common cold is – you guessed it – much more common, but these are still possible. If you notice a harsh cough, shortness of breath, or fevers along with cold symptoms, it helps to have your child checked out by his Pediatrician. Treatments for these illnesses vary, depending how severe they are. Good hand washing and covering your cough are the best way to prevent the spread of most lung/respiratory infections.
Viruses
There are lots of viruses out there that affect so many toddlers on a daily basis. Some of these viruses cause cold symptoms. Some cause vomiting and diarrhea. Others cause a rash. In some cases, your little one may only have a fever and no other symptoms. The list of viruses is so long, and it’s tough to talk about every single one here. Know that most of them are harmless, and your toddler will fight it off on his own, as long as he has a normal immune system. Good hand washing and hygiene in general are the best ways to prevent the spread of viruses.
Any fever for longer than 3 days deserves a visit to the Pediatrician. If your child is vomiting and not holding anything down, or having so much diarrhea that you’re concerned about dehydration, he should be seen. Probiotics can be helpful for diarrhea in the short term. Any rash that you’re worried about should also be checked out. And, if your child’s behavior is just out of his norm, bring him in.
Ear Infections
I’ve written a whole post about our experience with ear infections in our home. Inner ear infections can be common in toddlers, because they usually follow behind a cold. Outer ear infections or “swimmers ear” usually come about after swimming. Check out Ear Infections – From A Mommy Doc Perspective for more in-depth info on ear infections.
Vaginitis
Vaginitis is basically irritation in the vaginal area, commonly seen in girls in underwear. If your toddler is potty trained, and is starting to wipe herself independently after she uses the potty, vaginitis can occur. Little girls tend to be too “busy” to spend time wiping after they use the potty. They’d rather be playing outside. So, the vaginal area ends up staying damp, which leads to irritation. Vaginitis usually shows up with burning or itching in the vaginal area – with or without using the bathroom. You may notice a rash or redness in the area, and maybe even a little discharge. Little girls don’t normally have fevers, belly pain, or back pain associated with vaginitis, like they would with a UTI.
The best way to avoid vaginitis is to encourage your little girl to take regular potty breaks, and to wipe well when she goes. The symptoms usually respond well to Vaseline or diaper rash ointment to the area throughout the day, and keeping the area clean and dry. Of course, have her seen by your Pediatrician if you’re concerned.
Constipation
Let’s keep it real. The majority of kids (and adults!) in our country don’t eat a well-balanced diet. I see it everyday in my practice. In my own home, we try our best to eat as balanced as possible. But, when we get busy with the kids’ activities, many of our meals end up being “on the run”. They’re not always as balanced as they would be at home. Eating a well-balanced diet, rich in fiber (fruits and veggies!), helps to keep the bowels moving regularly. This lack of balance can lead to constipation, which I see often in the kids I take care of. Always aim for a balanced diet for your kids. Now, a few “cheat” days here and there won’t ruin them. But, for the most part, aim for a diet rich in fiber. Also, encourage your kids to drink plenty of water.
Constipation can also develop if your child intentionally withholds stool. This can happen if he’s refusing while potty training or refusing to go poop on the potty at school. Whatever the reason, I recommend responding gently. This is one area that your child can control, so you don’t want the withholding to really get out of hand by yelling. Provide small rewards and/or praise for going poop on the potty. Try to ease whatever fears your child may have. Fiber supplements, probiotics, and laxatives may be recommended for your child’s constipation. But, check with your Pediatrician first.
Anemia
The most common cause of anemia in toddlers is a lack of iron in their diet. It’s recommended that your child’s hemoglobin (a marker for anemia) be checked at 12 months and 24 months of age. If your child hasn’t had his done, be sure to ask the next time you’re in the office! Aim for iron-rich foods in your child’s diet, like red meat, green leafy vegetables, and iron-fortified cereals. Toddlers don’t always eat as balanced as they should, so feel free to supplement with vitamins, if necessary. Flinstones Complete Vitamins are a good choice. Always check with your Pediatrician first Before starting any vitamins or supplements.
There you have it! This is just a brief list of the most common illnesses I see in toddlers. As I’ve said before, always check with your Pediatrician if you’re concerned your child may have any of these. Or any that I may not have talked about above.
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