What anticipatory guidance should a nurse give to caregivers of toddlers?

The most appropriate anticipatory guidance for caregivers of toddlers is to develop food habits that will prevent dental caries. During the toddler years, children are at a heightened risk for dental problems, including cavities. This is often related to their diet, which may include sugary snacks and beverages that can contribute to tooth decay. Educating caregivers on nutritional practices, such as limiting sugary foods, introducing healthy snacks, and encouraging regular brushing, is essential for promoting good oral health and establishing lifelong healthy eating habits.

Encouraging caregivers to focus on these preventive habits helps lay the foundation for oral hygiene that can significantly reduce the incidence of dental caries as the child grows. Proper oral care during this developmental stage is crucial as toddlers begin to develop their permanent teeth, and establishing a routine can help instill lifelong dental hygiene practices.

The other options do not align well with the common anticipatory guidance required for toddlers. For example, expressing bedtime fears is quite common among this age group, which makes the second choice less relevant. The idea that meeting caloric needs leads to decreased appetite (the third option) can be misleading, as young children often exhibit variable appetites irrespective of caloric intake. Lastly, while screenings for conditions like phenylketonuria (PKU)