What's New For Infants

It is time for your baby’s two month health check. This is the first time your baby will receive multiple shots and, like most moms, you will probably come away feeling heartbroken for your baby. You can also expect some fussiness for a few days after the shots are administered.

Some people think that immunizations are dangerous, but in fact, as a whole, they are much safer than not immunizing your baby. Each type of immunization has its possible, but rare, side effects. If you are concerned, the best thing to do is talk to your pediatrician about your concerns.

The eight kinds of vaccines:

• DTAP – Better known as the vaccine that fights against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). Your child will receive five of these shots by the time they are six, with boosters given every 10 years after the last dose.
• IVP – Better known as the vaccine that was developed to keep children from developing the paralyzing disease, polio. Your child will receive four doses of this vaccine by the time they are six, with no boosters needed.
• MMR – Better known as the vaccine that fights against measles, mumps and rubella in children. Your child will receive two doses of this vaccine by the time they are six.
• Var – Better known as the vaccine that fights against the chicken pox. Also, one of the newest available vaccines, you child will receive this vaccine once sometime between 12 and 18 months.
• Hibv – Better known as the vaccine that fights against the deadly bacteria called hemophilus influenzae b. This vaccine will be given to your child 4 times by the time they are 15 months old.
• Hep B – Better known as the vaccine that fights the chronic liver disease Hepatitis B. Your child will receive three doses by the time they are 18 months old.
• PCV7 – Better known as the vaccine that fights pneumococcal conjugate, or the disease that causes illnesses including meningitis, pneumonia and more in children. Your child will receive four doses by the time they are 15 months old.
• Influenza – This vaccine is given to babies older than six months to help prevent them from getting the flu in the cold winter months when they could succumb and end up in the hospital. This vaccine will be given once a year as recommended by your doctor.

What to Expect at the Two Month Doctors Visit

Like the first appointment, your baby will be weighed and measured head to toe. The doctor will also measure your baby’s head for his growth charts. Your doctor will check out the baby’s development and ask you questions regarding the baby lifting his head, smiling, and other milestones. The doctor will also tell you want to expect in the next couple of months. Most pediatricians will schedule the next well check for four months old.

Week 8 Milestones

At this point your baby may be able to focus on small objects like cheerios, pennyies, or buttons. Enable this step in your baby’s development, but be careful that your baby is not close enough that he can pick up the object. Some babies can actually grasp objects at this point, and then put the object in their mouth. Keep all choking hazards out of your baby’s reach.

Your baby might also be able to follow an object that you move in front of his face. Use these objects to interact with your baby, and watch them learn.

What Might Concern You at 8 Weeks

When should you call the doctor after your child’s immunizations? Negative side effects are rare but they do happen. Recommended times to call the doctor include, but are not limited to your baby running a fever of 104 degrees or more, if your baby cries for hours on end (and does not already suffer from colic), or if you notice extreme swelling or breathing difficulties in your baby. It may be nothing, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

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