IMMUNIZING YOUR BABY
MOVING
Your baby will receive more immunizations (shots) today.
Immunizations help keep your baby from getting diseases that can
make him very ill. Be sure to let the doctor know if your baby had
problems with the shots he received before.
Have you noticed that your baby is more interested in the world
around him now? He's beginning to do many things and you can
help him learn. Watch him reach for toys or keys that you have. Only
let him put clean things in his mouth to chew on. Place your baby on
the floor and keep a close watch over him, so he can work on
crawling.
FEEDING
Have you noticed your baby watching you eat? Is he drooling all the
time? Your baby may be ready for solid foods, like cereal. You can
start solid foods when your baby can get the food off the spoon,
move it to the back of his throat, and swallow. Your baby should still
be drinking about 24-32 ounces of formula in 24 hours or
breastfeeding as desired. Continue to give your baby multivitamins
if you are breastfeeding.
All the drooling your baby is doing may be caused by early teething.
Giving your baby a teething ring or massaging your baby's gums
with your finger can help. Teeth usually come in at 6-12 months.
Have you noticed that your baby likes to stand now? He has
discovered his legs and may even prefer standing in your lap rather
than sitting. Since he shows you how well he can roll, continue to
watch where you leave him. He can roll into things and off of things.
Watch your baby blow bubbles as he gains more control over his
mouth.
Take him out for walks so he can enjoy the fresh air and see the
outside world.
LOVING YOUR BABY
SEEING
Here I am! Play with me! Your baby has learned how to get your
attention besides just crying for you. When he makes a noise, you
look at him and he gives you the biggest smile! He loves to be held.
Have you noticed your baby following you with his eyes as you move
around the room? He will also turn and look at you when you talk or
make noises. He will begin to reach and grab for things.
TALKING TO YOUR BABY
Your baby is starting to make more sounds. Listen for him to say
one type of sound over and over (ga-ga-ga or da-da-da). As he
makes a sound, reward him by repeating that same sound over and
over for him. It shows him you are listening to what he says. It is
important for you to encourage him to talk. Begin reading to your
baby. Talk and sing to your baby as often as possible – many times
a day. This really helps him learn to talk.
SAFETY
Continue to put your baby in his car seat which should be placed
in the back seat of your vehicle. It is safer to keep him rear facing
until he is about 2 years old.
Give your baby toys that are big enough so he won't
choke on them. To check if a toy is big enough, use a
cardboard toilet paper roll. If the toy can fall through the roll, it is
too small and your baby could choke on it.
Remember that smoke is bad for babies, so don't let
anyone smoke around your baby.
REMEMBER:
Baby walkers are very dangerous.
Did you know that a baby who falls down steps in a walker
is more likely to be hurt than a baby who just falls down
steps? There is no proof that walkers help babies walk.
Problems with baby walkers:
•
Walkers can cause injury to growing bones, muscles,
and tendons by putting too much pressure on them.
•
Walkers can cause baby's feet to turn outwards.
•
Babies get more serious injuries from falls in walkers.
•
Walkers put babies at a higher level, so they hurt
themselves by pulling things on top of them or by
reaching into areas that are not safe.
SIGNS OF ILLNESS
If your baby has any of these problems, call your doctor's office
during regular business hours:
•
Fever over 101 °F (38.3 °C)
•
Won't eat for 2 feedings in a row
•
Has loose, watery green stools
•
Acts "sick"
We don't recommend a walker for your baby. They are not
safe. If you have questions about this, please talk to your
doctor.
Your Baby's Length: ____________________
Your Baby's Weight: ____________________
Ask for this information to help you care for your baby:
CARE CARD: Infant Feeding – 4 to 6 Months
CARE CARD: After an Immunization
CARE CARD: Fever
Notes from today's visit:
CONTACT
The Children's Mercy Hospital
2401 Gillham Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
(816) 234-3000
Pediatric Care Clinic (PCC)
960-3090
2nd Floor Purple Clinic – (816)
Children's Mercy Clinics on Broadway
– (816) 960-3080
2nd Floor Yellow Clinic
3101 Broadway
3rd Floor Green Clinic – (816)
Kansas City, Missouri 64111
3rd Floor Orange Clinic – (816)
960-3060
960-3070
Children's Mercy West – The Cordell Meeks Jr. Clinic
4313 State Avenue
Kansas City, Kansas 66102
(913) 233-4400
Children's Mercy Hospital Information Line – (816) 234-3188