General Health

Immunizations

Immunizations are an integral part of preventative health care. We follow all the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for immunizations. Your baby’s first shots will be at the two-month visit. Please see our immunization section to read more about them.

 

Temperature / Fever

Most of the time fever tells us that some type of infection has started. In most cases the fever is gone in a day and the child seems better. This is usually a short-lived viral infection and the fever helps fight off the infection.

 

A fever in an infant from 0-3 months of age is defined as a rectal temperature greater than or equal to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. If your child 0-3 months of age has a fever you should contact the pediatrician’s office immediately.

 

The most accurate way to take a temperature is with a rectal thermometer. We recommend purchasing one and becoming accustomed to taking a rectal temperature. You should take your newborn’s temperature if she feels warm or is acting unusually fussy or sleepy.

 

In older infants and children, higher fevers tend to be common. 

 

Nasal Congestion

This is very common in infancy. Nasal congestion is most likely due to normal mucous and usually will improve as the baby gets older. The baby will frequently sneeze or cough to clear his/her nose. Use of a nasal aspirator and a cool mist humidifier may be very helpful. Saline nose drops before aspiration frequently will help. Remember, stuffy noses may last several weeks or may come and go every few days.

You should call the pediatrician’s office if the nasal congestion is interfering with the baby’s sleep or eating. Noisy breathing or congestion that does not affect the baby’s disposition, sleep, or the ability to eat need not be treated.

 

Smoking

Do not expose your child to cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoke. It has been proven that children exposed to smoke have more ear and respiratory infections, as well as diminished lung development and an increased risk for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

 

Sneezing and Hiccups

Newborns will often do both several times a day. There is nothing you need to do for either of these normal events.

 

Fresh Air

Fresh air is fine for a new baby. An infant may go out at one to two weeks of age. Take the baby out on a clear calm day and do not overdress. Avoid nurseries, shopping areas and other crowds of people for the first three months of life when young infants are more susceptible to contagious diseases.