What’s new when you’re 2? Plenty! Your toddler’s curiosity, resourcefulness and imagination know no bounds (or boundaries, as when she creates a marker masterpiece on the wall instead of on her easel, or tests her scientific theories — and your patience — about what floats in the potty and what doesn’t).

And speaking of potties, your 2-year-old may be showing all the signs that she’s ready to get the potty party started ... or none. If you’re thinking it may be time to ditch the diapers, ask the doctor for some potty-training pointers.

But keep in mind that many kids, especially boys, won’t be ready to hop on the potty-training train until age 3 — and there’s no point in pushing. Here’s what else you and your doctor will review at the 2-year well-baby visit.

The physical checkup

The doctor will once again complete a full physical examination and a check of those teeth, which will most likely include a full set of first molars. Most pediatricians will recommend a visit to the dentist, even if there are no dental concerns, but especially if there are.

Developmental milestones

"What’s that?" may be your eager learner’s favorite phrase — and she may ask it repeatedly even when she knows exactly what "that" is. That’s because it’s satisfying to ask questions and get answers. Your toddler’s brain is buzzing with activity and beginning to make sense of abstract concepts like "more" and "less."

At this checkup your doctor will be keeping an eye out for plenty of exciting milestones, which may include:[1]

  • Saying two to four words together in a sentence
  • Naming or identifying body parts
  • Pointing to objects and people in pictures and books
  • Kicking a ball
  • Running
  • Eating with a spoon
  • Using more gestures, like blowing kisses
  • Playing with multiple toys at once, like putting plastic food on a toy plate

Remember, every child acquires new skills at her own unique pace — and there’s a wide range of what’s considered normal when it comes to development. If you’re concerned about something in your toddler’s progress or if you just have a nagging feeling something’s not quite right, speak up.

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More About Your Toddler

Toddler Temper Tantrums
Toddler Independence Day: Four Things Your Child Can Do
Signs Your Toddler Is Ready to Be Potty Trained
Toddler Temper Tantrums
Toddler Independence Day: Four Things Your Child Can Do
Signs Your Toddler Is Ready to Be Potty Trained

Also check in if your 2-year-old doesn’t communicate in two-word phrases, doesn’t know how to use familiar items (like a hairbrush, spoon or phone), doesn’t copy words or actions, doesn’t follow simple instructions, doesn’t show emotion appropriately or loses skills she has mastered.

2-year-old vaccines

By now, most toddlers have received many of the childhood immunizations that will help keep them safe and healthy in the years to come — and that’s definitely something to celebrate. If your child missed a shot at a previous visit (for example, hepatitis B, DTaP or IPV), your doctor will get her caught up.

Otherwise, the only remaining shots recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that may be needed are hepatitis A (if your child hasn’t already had the second of the two-shot series), the influenza vaccine (if it’s around flu season) and the COVID-19 vaccine (if your child hasn't gotten yet).[2] The doctor might also do a quick blood draw to check for certain conditions, like anemia, lead exposure and high cholesterol.

Questions to ask your doctor

As you watch your baby blossom into a talking, walking person, you may have more questions than ever. Here are a few to consider asking:

Believe it or not, the time of frequent well-baby visits is coming to an end. After taking your child for another appointment around her half birthday (when she's 30 months old), you'll book a 3-year checkup.[3] From then on, it’s just a single yearly visit.