Health & Fitness
Getting your child ready for a healthy life starts early. Healthy eating and physical activity habits are very important, and need support from the whole family. Here are some resources to help your infant or toddler have a healthy start to their early development. Catching problems early may avoid larger, more costly problems in the future.
Physical Development
Speech, Language and Hearing
For more information about ensuring your child’s speech, language and hearing health, check out this helpful guide from the American Speech—Language-Hearing Association.
Birth-1 Year > 1-2 Years > 2-3 Years >
Dental Health
During the first three years of life, it is not to early to give your child the proper foundation for a healthy life and having good oral health is part of it.
- Baby and Toddler Toothcare and Teething
- How do I help my preschooler keep that bright smile?
- Tips and Resources on Child Dental Care
- How do I find a dentist that’s right for my child?
If dental care is outside your family’s budget, the Metro Health Dental Program may be able to help. Learn More
Vision Health
1 out of every 4 children struggle with reading and learning because of undiagnosed vision problems. Early diagnosis and treatment can help avoid future learning frustrations and setbacks.
The American Optometric Association recommends that all children have a comprehensive eye examination by: the age of 6 months, at 3 years, before entering first grade, and thereafter per optometrist recommendation (not less than every 2 years)
Sleep
When young children don’t get enough sleep, it can affect their mood, behavior, eating habits, and ability to focus during the day.
Potty Training
Helpful Links:
Physical Activity
Why do toddlers need physical activity?
Today’s children are four times less active in their day-to-day lives than their grandparents were. Being active helps your child stay healthy, learn good habits early, gives them an outlet for natural energy, and keeps them from high risk of obesity and other health problems throughout life. Learn More
How much physical activity does my preschooler need?
Any active movement counts as important physical activity, which means that playtime counts! Fun, family activities that get everyone moving are extremely important, no matter what age. But how much is the right amount?
- Infants – Dedicate time every day for active play, and limit time spent in items that restrict movement (car seats, strollers, bouncy seat, etc.).
- Toddlers – Dedicate time every day for active play, and limit TV exposure to less than 2 hours per day.
How do we start?
Going to the Doctor
Finding a Medical Home
Today, a child needs a home base for medical and non-medical care supported by a partnership between you, the parent or caregiver, your family, and your primary doctor or provider. If you have insurance, it is likely you have already established a medical home with a personal doctor. If you have not yet enrolled in medical insurance for your family, this is an important step to secure the medical support your child needs for healthy development. Get help enrolling in San Antonio
Well-Child Visits
Childhood is a time of rapid growth and change. At this exam, the health care provider will check your child’s growth and development in order to find or prevent problems. Your child should have more pediatric well-child visits at these early ages when they are younger and developing the fastest, even if your child is healthy.
Immunizations
The use of vaccines has led to major improvements in child health over a relatively short period. Many of the infectious illnesses you or your parents had as children, from chickenpox to polio to measles, no longer affect most children today because of immunizations. Reminder: immunizations are required by law
Students who have not completed immunizations will not be allowed to register for kindergarten.
