Anticipatory Guidance for Neonates to Adolescents Table

The Mn580 table provides anticipatory advice for infants and adolescents.

Age GroupAnticipatory GuidanceInfancy-Newborn-Breastfeed or bottle-feed every 2-3 hours.-Place the infant to sleep on their back. -Keep the infant’s environment free of smoke and other irritants. Avoid sharing a bed with an infant. Avoid giving sugary or honey drinks to infants. Immunizations in accordance with the schedule. N/A. (Oral hygiene is not appropriate for children in this group. Breastfeeding or feeding by bottle every three to four hours is recommended for infants aged 1-4 months. Immunizations as per schedule. N/A. (Oral hygiene is not appropriate for children in this group. Use a car seat that faces backwards. The infant can start to scoot or crawl. Immunizations in accordance with the schedule. N/A. (Oral hygiene is not appropriate for children in this group. Start teaching your infant how to drink from a cup. Use a backward-facing seat. The baby can start to stand up and walk, with some assistance. Immunizations as per schedule. This age group does not have oral health issues. Toddlers (1 to 2 years old): Encourage outdoor activities and physical activity. Teach your toddler how to brush their teeth with fluoride paste twice daily. Offer healthy foods. Use a car seat that faces forward. Follow the vaccination schedule. Avoid excessive screen time. Encourage physical activity, outdoor play and outdoor learning for preschoolers. Teach them to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily. Encourage healthy eating and a well-balanced diet. Use a booster in your car. Immunizations must be performed according to a schedule. Limit screen time. Age (6-12) Encourage outdoor activities and physical activity. Teach proper hygiene practices such as washing hands and covering the mouth while coughing and sneezing. Encourage healthy eating and encourage a balanced, nutritious diet. If necessary, use a booster car seat. Immunizations in accordance with the schedule. Limit the time spent in front of a screen. Adolescents (12-18 years old): Encourage physical activity, outdoor games, and good hygiene. Encourage healthy eating and encourage a balanced, nutritious diet. Use a seatbelt when you are driving or in the car. -Immunizations in accordance with the schedule. Promote healthy sleeping habits. Discuss the risks of alcohol and drug use and discuss safe sexual practices.