Six Year-Old Checkup

Diet:

  • Milk: nonfat or 1% milk (16-24 ounces or 2-3 cups per day).
  • Your child does not need sweetened drinks (like juice, soda, Gatorade, lemonade, punch, Koolaid, etc). Juice is optional. If you give them, give no more than 4-6 ounces a day and give only once a day.
  • It is better for your child to drink milk and water rather than sweetened drinks.
  • Limit candy, fast food, junk foods and snack foods to occasional treats, not all the time.
  • Your child should eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables everyday.
  • All children should take a daily multivitamin.

Safety:

  • Your child should continue to ride in a booster seat until about 80 pounds or 4 feet 9 inches tall.
  • The back seat is still the safest place for your child.
  • Your child should always wear a bike helmet when riding a bicycle, and a helmet and pads when rollerskating, rollerblading or riding a scooter or skateboard.
  • Gun safety: It is SAFEST not to have guns in the home with children.
  • If guns are in the home, they should be locked up, unloaded, and the ammunition kept locked separately.

Guidance:

  • Encourage daily reading and read with your child.
  • Child gets ready for school: dresses self, ties shoes, responsible for school bag.
  • Limit TV time and total screen time (computer, internet, video games, X-Box, Play Station, Wii, etc) to no more then 2 hours per day.
  • Your child should get at least 1 hour of physical activity or exercise everyday.
  • Your child should brush his or her teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Regular dental checkups every 6 months are recommended.
  • This is a good age for swimming lessons
  • Sun Protection: Use sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, with both UVA and UVB protection.

Flu Vaccine:

  • All children should receive the flu vaccine every year in the fall.

Next Check Up:  In 1 Year when your child is 7 years old

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