Nutrition
Feeding intervals will now be approximately every 3-4 hours during the day, though breast fed babies may still need to eat every 2 hours. We recommend that the introduction of baby foods be delayed until 4-6 months. Until then all of the baby’s nutritional needs can easily be met by breast milk or formula with iron. Some babies will begin to take more milk at each feeding. Don’t hesitate to offer the baby a little extra if he or she seems hungry. Babies are very good at knowing exactly how much to eat and will stop when they are full.
All exclusively breastfed infants and infants receiving less than 32 ounces of formula each day should have a vitamin D supplement. We recommend Tri-vi-sol 1 ml orally each day.
Safety
- Always put the baby in a car seat, in the back seat, facing backwards!
- Never leave a baby unattended unless he is in a crib or playpen.
- Be careful leaving toddlers and pets alone with the baby. Their actions are too unpredictable to be safe.
- Do not tie a pacifier on a string around the baby’s neck.
- Protect the baby’s skin from direct sunlight using light clothing, bucket hat, and umbrellas. Babies can burn easily.
- Always bathe infants in very shallow water, and never leave a child unattended near water.
- Babies should always sleep on their backs, as long as possible, but at least until 6 months of age
- Your baby will start putting objects into her mouth so items within your baby’s reach should be larger than the size of a golf ball.
Common Concerns
FEVER – Any temperature elevation of 100.4 or greater rectally in an infant less than 3 months of age is of concern to us. Please call immediately if your child has a temperature this high.
SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT – Some babies will begin to eliminate night time feedings at this age. To facilitate sleeping, move the baby into his own room as soon as you feel comfortable. This will help the baby and the parents get a better night’s rest. A hungry baby will always wake up and cry loudly enough for you to hear. Begin to teach the baby to fall asleep on his own without being nursed, fed or rocked to sleep. Infants can easily learn to calm themselves and put themselves to sleep if given the opportunity. Addition of solid foods at this age has not been shown to allow the baby to sleep longer.
TODAY’S IMMUNIZATIONS: Some of these immunizations may be combined.
- DTaP #1, IPV #1, HIB #1
- Pneumoccal #1
- Rotavirus #1
(Please see the CDC website for the Vaccine Information Sheethttp://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/index.html?s_cid=cs_748)
Less than twenty percent of babies will feel any effects from today’s shots. If you see any signs of a sore leg or fever, you may give your baby infant Tylenol. You may repeat the Tylenol every four hours as needed. If the baby has a fever of greater than 101 degrees for more than 12 hours, cries excessively or has any unusual behavior, please call us.
NEXT VISIT: Your baby’s next routine visit is at 4 months of age.
REMINDER: If possible, please do not feed your baby 15 minutes before their vaccines at the 2 month, 4 month and 6 month appointment.
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