Medical Care and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old

During these early months, you may have many questions about your
baby's health. Most doctors have phone hours when you can call with
routine questions, so don't hesitate to call with your concerns, no
matter how small they may seem.

Of course, if you suspect illness, don't wait for phone hours — call
your doctor immediately. As in the newborn period, illness at this age
requires immediate attention.

You will most likely visit your doctor with your infant at least once
every 2 months until your baby is about 6 months old. Not all doctors
follow this routine, though, so ask about your doctor's well-baby
checkup schedule.

Your infant is seen regularly to assess growth, feeding, and sleeping
habits, among other things. These regular checkups also allow the
doctor to follow up on any concerns from previous checkups and are a
chance for you to ask questions about your baby's health or behavior.

What Happens at the Office Visit



During these early months, your doctor will check your baby's progress and growth. Common components of a checkup include:

• weight, length, and head circumference measurements that are plotted on your baby's own growth chart
  
• a physical exam with special attention to any previous problems
  
• assessment of physical and emotional development (for example, head control, vision, and social interaction)
  
• questions about how you are doing with your baby
  
• advice about feeding, vitamins, and other aspects of nutrition
  
• what to expect during the coming months, including a discussion of babyproofing your home
  
• immunizations during some visits
  

Address any questions you have, and write down the answers or
specific instructions the doctor gives you. At home, update your baby's
medical record, tracking growth and any problems or illnesses.Immunizations Your Baby Will Receive



At 1-2 months old, your baby will receive the second dose of the
hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) if the first dose was given just after birth.
With combination vaccines, however, the 2-month visit may be the first
time your baby receives any immunizations.

At 2 months (and again at 4 months), your baby will be given several immunizations:

• DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis)
  
• Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccine
  
• IPV (polio vaccine)
  
• PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine), given in a series of four shots over the first 15 months of life
  
• possibly, HBV (hepatitis B vaccine)
  

Some of these safeguards against serious childhood illnesses can
cause reactions (usually mild), such as fever or irritability. Be sure
to discuss side effects with your doctor and get guidelines for when to
call the office.

When to Call the Doctor



Some common medical problems at this age may need a doctor's attention, including:

• diarrhea and vomiting, which could be caused by an infection of the
  digestive tract and can put your infant at risk for dehydration
  
• ear infections. A baby with an ear infection may become irritable; fever may or may not be present.
  
• rashes, which are common in infants. Some may not seem to bother
  your baby, but skin conditions like eczema can result in dry, scaly
  patches that are itchy and uncomfortable. Your doctor can tell you which
  lotions, creams, and soaps to use.
  
• upper respiratory tract infections (including the common cold),
  which affect infants just like the rest of us. Since babies can't blow
  their own noses, you'll have to handle clearing mucus with a rubber bulb
  aspirator. Don't give your baby any medications without checking first
  with your doctor. Call the pediatrician's office immediately if baby
  develops a cough, refuses to eat, has a rectal temperature above 100.4°
  Fahrenheit (38° Celsius), or is excessively cranky or sleepy.
  

Again, don't hesitate to contact the doctor's office about any health or behavior concerns.

Thank's