Your 3-year-old is becoming a self-determined individual. Whether getting dressed, climbing stairs or washing hands, they may prefer to do it "all by myself." Now that they can be understood most of the time, 3-year-olds can also negotiate. Don't be surprised if they tell you exactly what they want to eat or wear.
At this age, your child may talk more with other kids when they play together. Your 3-year-old is also beginning to develop a sense of right and wrong, and can follow simple rules. Imaginative
play appears, along with the ability for simple games like matching things. Supervised playdates with other children and structured preschool will help them develop many skills.
Although 3-year-olds want to do more and can do more by themselves, supervision and rules are important. They have a strong urge to explore and learn, but have not yet developed a sense of good judgment.
What to expect at the 3-year well-child visit
At the 3-year-old checkup, your pediatrician will perform a complete physical exam and ask about your concerns. The doctor also will focus on reading and language development, healthy nutrition, and the prevention of safety risks like falls from windows, firearms and navigating street crossings and parking lots.
Here's what else to expect at this visit:
✅ Immunizations
Your child likely will be caught up with vaccinations, but any missed or delayed will be given at this visit. As always, your pediatrician will recommend the
influenza (flu) vaccine during flu season, and talk about the latest COVID-19 guidelines. If your child needs a vaccine, the
CDC offers tips to make it less stressful.
See "Vaccines Your Child Needs by Age 6."
✅ Health Screenings
Your pediatrician will perform a full physical exam including a
vision and
oral health screening. The doctor will screen for risks like
exposure to lead, which can be found in some water pipes, paint in homes built before 1978, and some toys. Because exposure affects IQ and development, the CDC has developed a
program around lead poisoning prevention.
Also, pediatricians will take time during this visit to address possible needs around food security, child care, and safe living conditions. If needed, your doctor can provide
community resources offering housing, food and social support.
Questions your pediatrician may ask
Has your child received any specialty or
emergency care since the last visit? Or, has your child or anyone in the family developed a new health condition?
Do you have enough heat, hot water, and electricity? Do you have
problems with bugs, rodents, peeling paint or plaster, mold, or dampness?
How are your resources for caring for your child? Do you have
health insurance? Enough money for food, clothing, and child care?
Does anyone in your home smoke, drink or use drugs?
✅Developmental Screenings
If you child is not meeting
CDC developmental milestones, or if there are things your child does or can't do that concerns you, bring those up during your visit. Don't wait out any concerns. Your child may need to see a specialists for more evaluation. Or, screenings and some intervention services may be available through your local elementary school.
Positive family interactions are extremely important at this age. This is a time to
discipline by praising positive behaviors, and
using time-outs for behaviors like hitting or biting. Your pediatrician may observe how you interact with your child. They may also ask how you reinforce limits and settle conflicts.
If they haven't already, your doctor will ask about preschool plans. If you choose not to enroll your child in child care or preschool, they can suggest other ways to build school readiness.
Questions your pediatrician may ask
Has anything changed at home since your last visit?
Is your child
potty trained?
Can your child put on a piece of clothing like a jacket or shirt? Can your child pedal a tricycle?
Has your child lost any skills they once had?
When shown how to draw a circle, can your child draw one? Can they use scissors, a fork?
How does your child play with other children?
How much
screen time is your child getting?
Questions you may have
❓ Did you know A child's appetite often drops at this age because their growth rate is slower. Caregivers should offer nutritious foods, but let the child eat as much or as little as they want. Making substitute foods to entice a child to eat can encourage
picky eating.
✅Feeding & Healthy Nutrition
It's not unusual for a child's appetite to drop at this age. Provide healthy options; then allow your child to decide how much to eat. Your child may eat one regular meal, and consume the rest of their calories in small meals and snacks. Your pediatrician may ask about what your child has to drink. Be aware that many drinks, other than milk, offer little nutritional value.
Questions your pediatrician may ask
Do you consider your child a healthy eater?
What do you do if your child doesn't eat what you've made?
What does your child drink each day? How
much water and milk?
Questions you may have
✅Safety
Safety is a big concern for this age because the leading cause of death for young children is unintentional injury.
Questions your pediatrician may ask
Is your child still using a rear-facing car safety seat installed in the back seat of your car?
Are you still cutting up foods like grapes and hot dogs into small pieces?
Do you use window guards for windows on the second floor or higher?
Are there
firearms in the home? If so, are they locked in a secure place?
How are you practicing pool and water safety?
Questions you may have
✅ Communication Tips
Your pediatrician's top priority is to attend to your concerns. Be sure to bring them to your doctor, who may refer you to care elsewhere if it is after hours or if a specialist is needed. Pediatricians also can refer you to resources available in your community.
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