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Toddler Tips
U.S. Surgeon General Issues Second "Healthy Dozen" List for Toddlers
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Begin a Habit of Good Oral Health
Brush your child's teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush. Begin brushing for your child when his or her teeth first appear and continue until age 3 or 4 when you can start teaching your child how to brush. Introduce fluoridated toothpaste at age 2. Don't Smoke
And don't allow anyone else to smoke around your child. Second-hand smoke can have a harmful effect on your child's breathing and can have long-term respiratory consequences like impaired lung growth, chronic coughing and wheezing. Diseases of the respiratory system (aggravated by second-hand smoke) are the leading causes of child hospitalization and one of the leading causes of toddler doctor visits. Also, smoking kills half of all lifetime smokers, costing them more than 12 years of their life. For help to quit smoking, visit www.cdc.gov/tobacco/how2quit.htm. 
Give Positive Feedback
Praise good behavior and accomplishments. Hug, talk, read, explore and play together. This also begins to ensure a healthy bond between parent and child. Also, when choosing a caregiver, discuss their attitudes about discipline and be sure that they agree with your point of view.