A M E R I CA S

CHILD
PASSPORT
H E A L T H G U I D E TM
BIRTH-5 YEARS

Your Americas Child Passport will help you:

Learn your childs needs and how to meet them.

Track your childs growth and health milestones.
Record important facts about your child.
Prevent accidents, illnesses, and injuries.

Child Identification
Childs Full Name
PLACE COLOR
PHOTO HERE

Boy Girl

Well-child visits are important to prevent illness and to

help find problems early. Use this passport to schedule and
record visits with your health care provider.

Birth Date

Update the passport often. Use a pencil since information

may change. Take it with you on visits to your childs doctor and when traveling. Keep it handy for an emergency.

Hair Eyes

Close-up of
child's face

Birth Place

Height Weight

Race

Blood Type

Date of Photo:

Mother's Name

Phone

Father's Name

Phone

Street Address

City

Emergency Contact

Phone

State

Zip

Features (scars, glasses, braces, birthmarksanything describing your child)

Pewaukee, WI 1st Edition

2014 HealthStyle Press PRINTED IN U.S.A.

www.healthstylepress.com

Introduction

Contents

Introduction

3 Introduction

4 Safety

6 Finding Good Child Care

8 Baby: Birth-1 Year

22 Toddler: 2-3 Years

27 Child: 4-5 Years

31 Additional Records

37 Resources

40 Important Phone Numbers

Congratulations on becoming a parent. Whether you've

just had your first child or are growing your family, parenting brings lots of joybut children do not come with
instructions. It's okay to ask for help to learn how to be a
better parent. You can ask your doctor's office, hospital,
community center, or church about parenting classes or
support groups. You'll find help with many parenting topics
and space to record health information in this passport.
Remember: you are the most important person in your
children's life. Tell your children you love them and give
hugs often. Act as you want them to act because they will
follow your example. Develop a network of family and
friends to support you and to be good role models.

Proper use of car safety seats helps keep your child safe.
All children 12 and under should be restrained in the back
seat. The type of seat needed depends on your child's size
and on the type of vehicle you have. Car safety guidelines
for different age groups are included on pages 14 (Baby),
23 (Toddler), and 27 (Child). Or go to safercar.gov/parents
to learn about car safety for specific ages.

Make your home a smoke-free zone. Secondhand smoke

raises the risk for health problems such as Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome (SIDS).

TIP

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Home
Use smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every
floor. Test them monthly.
Store matches and lighters out of reach.
Store medicines, cleaning products, and other harmful items in childproof containers. Keep them out of
reach too.
Make sure furniture and appliances that can be
climbed are secured to the wall.
Cover unused electrical outlets with plastic guards.
Set the water heater to 120F or less to prevent scalds.
If you have a gun, keep it unloaded and locked up.
Lock up bullets in a separate place.
Pools must be fenced in and gates to pools locked.

Car
Never leave your child alone in a car, even if it's just for
a moment. A tired or anxious parent may forget about a
sleeping child in the back seat. Always look in the back
before exiting.

More children die or are seriously hurt from injuries than

from childhood disease. But you can prevent many injuries. Never leave a child alone. Young children need to be
watched by adults. Also, watch closely when in or near
water. Safety-proof your home and car.

Safety

Safety

Safety

Register car seats, cribs, and other child care gear, so

you will be notified if there is a safety recall. You should
also check the Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) website for toy and product recalls at cpsc.gov.

Finding Good Child Care

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Observe
Are staff and children relaxed, happy, and involved?
Are teachers warm and loving, responsive to children's
needs, giving one-on-one attention?
Are there enough care providers for the number of kids?
Is the setting safe, clean, comfortable, stimulating?
Ask Questions About
The background, experience level, training, and licensing of the staff and center.
How emergencies are handled. Find out if staff are
trained in CPR for infants and children.
Check
Check references and talk to other parents.
Check with the licensing department in your state
about any complaints against the center.
Check in often. Ask for updates on your child's progress. Visit unannounced.

Day Care
Visit and compare several child care centers or homes.

In Your Home
Follow these tips for having a friend, family member, neighbor, or trusted sitter watch your child in your home.
Do a trial run. If the sitter is new to you, check at least
two references. Then invite the sitter to meet you and
your child before hiring.
Tour the house. Point out the phones, exits, first aid
kits, food and diapering supplies, and emergency
contacts list.
Review the rules. Explain your rules about visitors,
TV, snacks, and bedtime.
Leave written information, including:
Emergency numbers.
Where you will be and the phone number.
An alternate trusted friend or relative.
This passport of health records.

The Red Cross offers a baby-sitting course in most communities. This includes rescue breathing and first aid training. When possible, choose sitters who have these skills.

Child Care

Child Care

Young children should never be left home alone. Find child

care providers before you need them, so you can be choosy.

Food
The food your baby eats can have lasting health effects.

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During the first few years, well-child visits are frequent

and important. Beginning on page 16, you and your
doctor can record health information. Growth milestones
are also noted so you can track how your child learns and
develops. Remember that each child is different and may
reach milestones earlier or later than others. Children
born early may need extra time to reach milestones.

Your child's doctor will tell you how often to visit for checkups. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following schedule from birth through year one.
1 week
1 month
2 months

4 months
6 months
9 months

Breast feeding
The AAP recommends breast milk for at least the
first year.
In the first month, the baby will need 8-12 feedings in
24 hours.
Feedings will be less often as your baby grows.
Burp your baby often during feedings.
If you have problems making milk or feeding your
baby, call your doctor right away.

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Well-Child Visits
Take your children for regular check-ups before they
become sick to:
Keep them healthy.
Track their growth.
Find and treat any problems early.
Have your health questions answered.

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment

(EPSDT) is a Medicaid program that provides free medical, mental, vision, hearing, and dental check-ups. For
information, visit medicaid.gov.

12 months
15 months
18 months

Formula Feeding
If breast feeding is not possible, use formula.
In the first month, feedings will be often: 8-12 times
in 24 hours. Each feeding will be 2-3 ounces.
Burp your baby after each ounce or two.
Always hold the bottle. Never leave a baby with a
propped bottle.
Throw out any formula left in the bottle after a feeding.
9

Birth - 1 Year

Birth - 1 Year

Baby: Birth-1 Year

Don't run to the rescue. If your children start to fuss, give

them a minute or two to calm themselves. Learning to selfcomfort and fall back asleep is an important skill. If they
keep crying, check if they are hungry, sick, or have a dirty
diaper. Reassure a fussy child, but don't engage in play.

It can be hard to remember how many feedings your child

has had, especially if a child care provider gives some of
them. Keep track of feedings with a Daily Record such as
the one on page 15. You can also record diapering. Around
6-8 diapers per day is normal.
Sleep
Babies sleep up to 18 hours a day, usually 1 to 3 hours at a
time. For good, quality sleep try the tips on the next page.
10

Keep busy during the day. During the day, make sure your
child is active. Active play during the day means more restful sleep at night.
Make a sleep routine. A quiet routine promotes a peaceful
night's sleep. Try a bath, soft music, or a bedtime story.
Keep the routine the same each night.

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Adding Solid Foods

Offer one new food at a time. Wait at least 3 days
before trying another one.
Serve baby foods from a spoon, never a bottle.
At 4-6 months, begin to feed iron-fortified infant cereal
or pureed meats. Mix these with formula or breast milk.
At 6-8 months, children who eat cereal or pureed
meats can also have strained fruits and vegetables,
added one at a time.

Provide a safe setting for sleep. Place babies in a safetyapproved crib only. Chairs, sofas, and adult beds are not
safe for sleeping babies. Keep loose bedding and soft
objects out of the crib. Keep the bedroom cool. The AAP
recommends that parents share a room but not a bed with
a child.

Prevent SIDS: Always place children on their backs to sleep.

11

Birth - 1 Year

Birth - 1 Year

Foods Not to Feed

Until the baby is six months old, do not give your baby
juice. Until one year, don't give your child peanuts, tree
nuts, fish, or shellfish. Wait until the baby is one year before using cow's milk, and then use whole milk. Babies do
not need extra water.

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Babies who have good emotional health:

Look into a caregiver's eyes and smile.
Coo and gurgle to show they are happy or excited.
Smile or laugh a funny faces.
React to changes in a caregiver's voice or touch. They
may startle, blink, cry, quiet.
Try to copy changes in others' voices.
Can be comforted by a familiar touch or voice.

Know how to take a temperature. The type of thermometer to use depends on your child's age. Every tenth of a
degree matters for babies less than three months old. Rectal temperatures are the most accurate for young children.
Contact your health care provider if your child has a temperature of 100.4F or more.
Digital Ear

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Forehead

What
Temperature
Indicates
a Fever

100.4F

Rectal Digital

100.0F

Pacifier or oral

99.0F

Underarm
Birth

3 mo

6 mo

3 yrs

5 yrs

What Thermometer to Use at Each Age

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TIP

Birth - 1 Year

Emotional Health. Children do best when given loving

care in a safe, stable home.
Praise good choices and actions. This helps your children connect their actions with your response.
Plan family time together. Talk, listen, play, and have
fun as a family. This gives children a chance to make
social connections in a safe place.

"Time-outs" aren't just for kids. You should take a break

if you fear you may lose control and hit a child or say
something you'll regret. Take deep breaths or call a friend
to talk it out. Return to your child when you are calm.

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Birth - 1 Year

Health
Protect children from germs. Clean surfaces in and outside
of the home that are common germ sources: door knobs,
phones, remote controls, water fountains, shopping carts,
railings, and elevator buttons. To avoid re-spreading germs
from previous wipe-ups, use paper towels or microwave
sponges for 30 seconds to disinfect them. Keep toothbrushes
away from the toilet. Wash linens and towels in hot water.
Wash childrens hands after leaving day care.

AM

Date:
Left
Breast

Time

Amount

Right
Breast

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Protect skin from the sun. Use sunscreen and hats. Limit
sun exposure.

Daily Record
For each feeding in a day, record the time and amount. Note
each diaper. To record more days, you may copy this page.

Car safety. Babies should always ride in a rear-facing

safety seat.

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Learn CPR and First Aid. Be prepared for serious accidents.

Find CPR and first aid classes at redcross.org/take-a-class.

14

Birth - 1 Year

Birth - 1 Year

Safety
Protect children from falls. Never leave babies alone on a
bed or changing table. Block stairways with a gate and keep
steps free of objects that may trip you while you're holding
the baby. Use straps on high chairs and strollers. Use window guards above the first floor; do not rely on screens.

Bottle

Wet
diaper

Dirty
diaper

Date:

PM

Left
Breast
Right
Breast
Bottle
Wet
diaper

Dirty
diaper

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Birth Record
Health Care Providers: Please record test results and footprint.
Weight

Length

Apgar Score

Hearing Tested (Y/N)

Age (in hours) at time of metabolic screen for PKU/other disorders:

Results:

Test

Results and Notes

E
Weight:

Results:

Birth - 1 Year

Use a water-based, non-toxic ink or an inkless footprinting kit.

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Head:

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Birth - 1 Year

Date:
Height:

Date of sickle cell screening:

16

One Week
Record well-child visit results such as height, weight, and
head circumference. If immunizations are given, list them
on pages 32-34.

Immunizations Y N

Milestones
Responds to your voice and touch.
Has periods of wakefulness.
Looks at parents when awake.
Moves in response to sights and sounds.
Eats 8-12 times a day.
Wets 6-8 diapers a day.

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One Month
Test

Results and Notes

Date:

Height:

Height:

Weight:

Weight:
Head:
Immunizations Y N

Height:
Weight:
Head:
Immunizations Y N

Test

Results and Notes

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Date:

Two Months

Milestones
Smiles, coos, and comforts self.
Turns head from side to side when lying on tummy.
Watches and follows parents briefly with eyes.
Develops different cries for hunger, sleep, and comfort.
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Milestones
Holds head up, lifts head and chest when lying on tummy.
Begins to roll for objects.
Moves arms and legs together.
Squeals and babbles.

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Milestones
Raises head when lying on tummy.
Responds to calming when upset.
Begins to smile.
Recognizes parents' voices and follows them with eyes.

Results and Notes

Head:
Immunizations Y N

Test

Date:

Six Months
Test

Results and Notes

Height:
Weight:
Head:
Immunizations Y N

Milestones
Sits and rolls over.
Recognizes familiar faces.
Starts to know own name.
Copies sounds others make.
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Birth - 1 Year

Birth - 1 Year

Date:

Four Months

Nine Months
Test

Results and Notes

Date:

Height:

Height:

Weight:

Weight:

Test

Head:
Immunizations Y N

Height:
Weight:
Head:
Immunizations Y N

Test

Milestones
Speaks one or two words; jabbers in speech patterns.
Waves goodbye and is upset when parents leave.
Stands without help and bangs objects together.
Plays games like peek-a-boo and patty-cake.
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Milestones
Walks well and can take steps backward.
Drinks from a cup and feeds self with spoon or fingers.
Follows simple directions.

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Results and Notes

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Date:

Milestones
Afraid or wary of strangers.
Looks to parents for comfort and play.
Crawls and pulls up to standing.
Repeats sounds like "ba-ba" or "ga-ga."
Shows likes and dislikes.
Twelve Months (1 Year)

Head:
Immunizations Y N

Results and Notes

Eighteen Months (1.5 Years)

Date:

Test

Results and Notes

Height:
Weight:
Head:
Immunizations Y N

Milestones
Walks up steps and runs.
Eats with spoon and fork.
Stacks blocks and scribbles with a crayon.
Says at least six words.
May be ready for toilet training (ask your doctor).
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Birth - 1 Year

Birth - 1 Year

Date:

Fifteen Months

Safety
In vehicles, children should ride in a rear-facing safety seat.
If they reach the height or weight limit for their seat, they
can switch to a forward-facing safety seat with harness.
As your toddler becomes more independent, teach and ask
your child if they know these safety tips.

PL

Food
Your toddler needs 3 meals each day and 2-3 healthy
snacks. The best snacks are low in sugar, fat, and salt.
Meals and snacks should include the following:
3-5 ounces of grains (cereal, bread, pasta). At least
half of these should be whole grains.
2-4 ounces of meat, fish, or other protein foods.
2-2.5 cups of milk or other dairy (cheese, yogurt).
1-1.5 cups of veggies.
1-1.5 cups of fruit.

of each new food, but never force it. Be patient: It can take
10-15 tries before a child will accept a new food.

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Mealtimes
Provide a variety of foods.
Cut foods such as hot dogs,
grapes, and carrots into small
pieces to prevent choking.
Serve meals and snacks around the same time each day.
Let your child decide how much to eat.
Never use rewards to get your child to eat.
Never use food as a reward.
Never withhold food as punishment.
Encourage your child to try new foods by having your
child help you make meals. Ask your child to try one bite
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I know...

2 - 3 Years

2 - 3 Years

Toddler: 2-3 Years

Toddler Test

My name, address, and phone number.

Never to go with anyone who doesnt know our

family code word.

To ask permission before going outside.

Never to let anyone inside without permission.
It is never ok for others to hit me or touch my private

parts. I know to tell an adult if anyone does this.

To yell No! and run from anyone who tries to take

or touch me.

To dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.

The family fire escape plan that we practiced. I know

to crawl under smoke and to never go back inside.

Traffic safety rules. I know to hold an adults hand

on streets and in parking lots.

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2 years

2.5 years

3 years

Date:

Test

Results and Notes

Height:
Weight:
BMI:
Immunizations Y N

PL

Milestones
Runs, jumps, throws and kicks a ball.
Says at least fifty words and can use short sentences.
Completes sentences heard in favorite books.
Imitates adultsplays "pretend" (cooking, caring for dolls).
Names pictures of familiar things.
Thirty Months (2.5 Years)

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Toddlers who have good emotional health:

Can part from a parent with little or no fuss.
Can "read" non-verbal clues like body language and
tone of voice.
Have a range of feelingsjoy, anger, sadnessand
can get along with others with some adult help.

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Setting Boundaries
Set boundaries, but never hit, threaten, or bully a child
when rules are broken. Discuss the reasons for rules. Help
your child express feelings when upset. Stay calm and consistent: it may take many tries to correct behavior.

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Teach handwashing. To ensure that hands are washed

fully, count to 20 or sing Twinkle Twinkle while washing.

Date:

Test

Results and Notes

Height:
Weight:
BMI:
Immunizations Y N

Milestones
Washes hands, dresses, and brushes teeth with help.
Has friends and enjoys playing with other children.
Names animal sounds and actions (cows moo, birds fly).
May fear change or the unexpected.
Uses short phrases and can name six or more body parts.
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2 - 3 Years

2 - 3 Years

Good exercise habits learned early helps prevent childhood

obesity. A Body Mass Index (BMI) test shows if a child's
weight is at a good level for his or her height and age. Limit
the time your child spends looking at screens (TV, game, or
computer) to 2 hours each day or less. Try crafts or outdoor
activities instead. Kids need active play every day.

Twenty-four Months (2 Years)

Health
The AAP recommends 3 well-child visits during years 2-3.

Child: 4-5 Years

Date:

Test

Results and Notes

Height:
Weight:
BMI:

In vehicles, children should ride in a forward-facing safety

seat with harness. Once they outgrow the safety seat,
buckle them in a booster seat.
Health
The AAP recommends 2 well-child visits during years 4-5.
4 years

5 years

Continue to feed healthy meals and monitor what your

child eats at school. You can help your child stay fit and
make friends through sports, scouts, and activities at
school or in the community.
Swim lessons teach water safety and provide fitness and
fun. Look for classes through local schools, YMCAs, or
the Red Cross. In any activity, cheer for your child and
don't make winning the only goal.

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27

4 - 5 Years

PL

Milestones
Eats and dresses with little or no help.
Is fully toilet trained.
Can have a conversation.
Knows own gender (boy or girl).
Knows the name and purpose of a cup, ball, spoon,
and crayon.
Rides a tricycle.
Balances on one foot for one second.
Builds a tower of eight blocks.
Can copy a circle and draw a simple person with two
or more body parts.

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2 - 3 Years

Immunizations Y N

Safety
Keep kids safe in and outside the home. Monitor your
children's activity when they use computers and electronic
games. While biking or playing sports, kids need helmets
and protective pads. If walking or biking to school try to
find your child a buddy to go with.

Three Years

Four Years
Date:

Test

Results and Notes

Height:
Weight:
BMI:

Immunizations Y N

Milestones
Catches a ball, hops, and balances on one foot.
Can sing a song or say a poem from memory.
Knows first and last name.
Knows at least four colors by name.
Plays board and card games.
Brushes teeth without help.
Can copy a cross shape and
draw a person with three or
more body parts.

TIP

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4 - 5 Years

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4 - 5 Years

PL

Children who have good emotional health:

Feel good about themselves and will try new things.
Can state their own feelings. They listen to others'
ideas and are polite if views differ.
Respect all cultures, no matter what skin color
or language.
Can learn to be responsible. Assign chores around the
house. Set goals for school and let your children know
you expect them to try their best.

Rather than nag, use the "When-Then" technique to get

kids to do chores. For example, say, "When the toys are put
away, then you may have your snack." Good chores for this
age includes making the bed, dusting, and clearing the table.

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Additional Records

Five Years
Date:

Test

Results and Notes

Height:
Weight:
BMI:

PL

Your doctor can tell you what immunizations your state

requires. The AAP recommends yearly flu vaccines for all
children age 6 months to 18 years. Be sure to record all vaccines by at least one of these three ways:
Bring this booklet with you when your child's vaccines
are given and record them on pages 32-34.
Some states require their own record-keeping card,
which you can keep with this book. Bring both with
you when your child's vaccines are given.
Some states have internet registries that allow parents
and doctors to access an electronic record.

Even if children have missed vaccines, they may not need to

start over. Check with your child's doctor to complete any
needed shots.
Health Care Providers: Please mark and explain any new
or changed immunization recommendations. Complete
records in ink. Combination vaccines should be recorded
under each individual part.

30

31

Records

Milestones
Skips, hops, and balances on one foot.
Ties a knot.
Holds a pencil correctly.
Prints some letters and numbers.
Draws a person with six or more body parts.
Can copy squares and triangles.
Counts to ten and names at least four colors.
Tells a simple story with full sentences.
Listens and follows simple directions.

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4 - 5 Years

Immunizations Y N

Immunizations
An immunization (or vaccine) is a medicine given to prevent
a disease. Health care providers give it by shot or by mouth.

4*

Hepatitis A

IPV
Inactivated
Poliovirus

Hib
Haemophilus
influenzae
type b
HepA

VAR
Varicella
(Chickenpox)

Date
Vaccine
Vaccine Type Date Given Provider Signature
Next
Due

PL

SA

*Fourth dose only required if a combination vaccine is given.

MMR
Measles
Mumps
Rubella

RV
Rotavirus

HepB
Hepatitis B

Date
Vaccine
Vaccine Type Date Given Provider Signature
Next
Due

Child Name Birth Date

Health care providers will help complete immunization charts.

Records

Records

32
33

Impetigo

Conjunctivitis
(Pink Eye)

Pertussis
(Whooping Cough)

Croup

Scarlet Fever

Fifth Disease

Strep Throat

PL

Date Given Provider Date Given Provider

Chickenpox

Date Illnesses, Surgeries, Allergic Reactions, Emergencies

SA

Vaccine Date Given Provider

PCV
Pneumococcal

Date
Vaccine
Vaccine Type Date Given Provider Signature
Next
Due

Asthma

Date
Hand, Food, and
Mouth Disease

Flu

DTaP
Diphtheria
Tetanus
Pertussis

Records

Date

Records

34

Health History
Check off any illness your child gets. Record the date and
any additional health notes.

35

Dental History
Your child should have dental cleanings and exams every
six months, starting at age one. Record your visits here.
Age

Procedures/Results

Child Health Information

American Academy of Pediatrics
aap.org or 847-434-4000
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
mychildrensteeth.org
Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health
kidshealth.org
Mental Health America
nmha.org or 1-800-969-6642

36

Find a Health Care Provider

findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
healthgrades.com
zocdoc.com

Food
Videos, food plans, food budget tips, recipes
choosemyplate.gov
Healthy Recipes
healthyeating.nhlbi.nih.gov
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics tips
kidseatright.org

Resources

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Records

PL

Date

Resources

37

SA

Resources

Foreign Language Health Information Hotlines

Spanish: 1-866-783-2645
Chinese: 1-800-582-4218
Korean: 1-800-582-4259
Vietnamese: 1-800-582-4336
38

E
Image Credits
Cover: Susie Weber.

This guide is provided to help you. It is not a substitute for

professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You
should not alter or stop any treatment without first consulting
your health care provider. Therefore, HealthStyle Press will
not be liable for the accuracy or use of this content.
39

Resources

Financial Aid
Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
www.fns.usda.gov/wic or 703-305-2746
List of groups that help with the cost of medicine
www.1.usa.gov/ND5PC2
Affordable Care Act information
hhs.gov/healthcare
Medicaid.gov

Information Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics. Bright Futures Guidelines
for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
American Red Cross
National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families Zero
to Three Program
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
National Institutes of Health
National Sleep Foundation
US Centers for Disease Control
US Consumer Product Safety Commission
US Department of Agriculture
US Department of Health and Human Services - Health
Resources and Services Administration

PL

Safety
safecar.gov/parents
Consumer Product Safety Commission - cpsc.gov
safemedication.com
redcross.org/take-a-class
Find quality child care
childcareaware.org or 1-800-424-2246
American Association of Poison Control Centers
aapcc.org or 1-800-222-1222
Crisis support contacts
preventchildabuse.org or 1-800-CHILDREN (244-5373)

Important Phone Numbers

Emergencies: Dial 9-1-1

Medical
Dentist Phone

Hospital Phone

Pharmacy Phone

PL

Doctor Phone

Insurance Policy #

Phone Numbers

Day Care

Covered Employee Name

Policy #

SA

Child Care

Medicaid Policy #

Dental Insurance

Preschool/School

Sitter

Sitter

Sitter

Sitter

40

1 (800) 222-1222
Poison Control (National)

Police