Nutrition

FEEDINGS

Breast milk or formula continues to supply all the nutrients and fluids necessary at this age. Delay giving solid foods until 4-6 months old; do not put cereal in your baby's bottle. Early introduction of solids may lead to obesity, high blood pressure, allergies, excess salt intake and digestive problems. Formula with iron is always recommended. Remember, your baby should be consuming 2 to 2½ ounces of formula or breast milk per pound of body weight per day.

VITAMINS

Exclusively breast fed infants should receive vitamin supplements such as poly-vi-sol - one dropper a day according to the AAP guidelines (to see more, click here). Breast feeding mothers should continue their prenatal vitamins. Formula fed infants receive adequate vitamin supplements from commercially prepared formula.

Development

At this age your baby should:

• Focus both eyes on your face and on some objects
• Follow objects visually to midline
• Smile responsively and begin to laugh and squeal and coo
• Hold head a little more steady and lift head while on tummy

Vaccinations

At this visit, your child is scheduled to receive DTaP, Hib, IPV, Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal Conjugate, and Rotavirus immunizations.

Common Issues and Concerns

MEDICATIONS

To see information on Acetaminophen (Infant Tylenol) dosage, click here. Remember to always dose based on the weight of your child.

SLEEP

(Helpful hints for preventing problems)

• Babies should always sleep on their backs to decrease the chance of SIDS.
• Move your baby to a separate room.
• Don't allow your baby to hold their bottle or take it to bed.
• Try to delay middle-of-the-night feedings. Begin to discourage the 2:00 a.m. feeding by whatever means seem appropriate to you.
• Never awaken your baby at night for a feeding except at your bedtime.
• If your baby awakens, try holding him briefly to see if that will calm him prior to preparing a bottle or nursing. If you must feed him, give an ounce or two less than normal or nurse for a shorter interval at night.

COMMON CONCERNS

• Stooling - Bowel movements are highly variable in frequency, amount, color and consistency. Each baby is different.
• Eye Drainage - Blocked tear ducts are a common occurrence and may cause a thin mucous eye discharge.
• Fever - Check your child's temperature if he feels warm or is acting ill. If your child is acting ill or you have concerns, contact your physician. Remember, a fever is a common side effect of the immunizations given at 2 months. There is no need to contact your physician when fever is associated with immunizations, unless your child appears ill.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Remember to use a car seat at all times.
• Do not leave your baby unattended.
• Stimulate your baby with talk and touch.
• You can talk, sing, read to your baby or play music - he will enjoy it

Next Well Child Visit

Your child's next well child visit should be when he/she is 4 months old.