Infant

Resources

“Well-visit” examination schedule for infants and babies

Newton Pediatrics recommends a schedule of frequent check-ups (also called “well visits”) in the first year of a child’s life. We recommend annual check-ups for children ages three and up.

When should you introduce solid foods?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggest your child on solids between 4 and 6 months, however it really depends on your baby. Some babies may be content waiting longer, while others may be ready to start sooner. The best way to know if your baby is ready is to look for signs of eating readiness.

They can sit upright and hold their head up.
They follow are curious and following you or your utensils when you eat.
They still seem hungry after getting a full day's portion of milk (eight to 10 breastfeedings or about 32 ounces of formula).
Loss of tongue reflex to push food out of their mouth.
Click here for guidelines on how to introduce solid food from age 4-6 months.

When should you schedule a “sick visit” for your infant?

Call for an appointment whenever you observe anything questionable. Here are some typical signs that an infant may be sick:

Change in stool and urine patterns
Decreased appetite
Decreased sleep
Diarrhea
Excessive crying
Excessive sleeping
Fever
Pulling on ears
Rashes
Vomiting

Have these items on hand for your new baby

Bulb syringe
Saline nose drops
Thermometer

Be sure to include these items in your baby’s diaper bag

Diapering & clothing

2 changes of clothing
6-8 diapers, depending on how long your outing will be
Changing pad
Diaper rash ointment
Hat(s) appropriate for shade and/or warmth
Travel-size container of wipes
Plastic bags for soiled clothing and diaper disposal

Feeding

Bottled water for you (and baby if using powdered or concentrated formula)
Bottles, if formula feeding
Burp cloths
Cans of formula or containers of pre-measured formula

Toys and soothing items

2 blankets
Comfort toys
Pacifiers
Teething rings

Safety and emergencies

Antibiotic ointment
Bandages
Cell phone
Hand sanitizer
Tissues

Immunization schedule

Well visits, especially in the first year of life, include immunizations at regular intervals. Please let us know if we can answer any concerns you may have about immunizations. For an up-to-date immunization schedule please visit:

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/child.html

Treating fever and pain in children

Fever is not necessarily dangerous for children. Aspirin should not be used to treat fever or pain in children. Instead, we recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies over six months of age). Please consult these dosage charts and check with our office for further details.