IMMUNIZATIONS

Today’s immunizations include Pentacel (DTaP, Hib, & polio combined), Hepatitis B, pneumococcal  & oral Rotateq.

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FEEDING

 

Continue breastfeeding or using formula. Advance your baby’s diet to include more solids, introducing a new food every 3-4 days and working up to 3 meals a day. Now is also the time to start introducing the sippy cup with water. It is not recommended to feed your child eggs/egg products, milk/dairy products or fruit juice at this age. Do not offer your baby foods that could cause choking like peanuts, sunflower seeds, raw vegetables, popcorn, grapes or hot dogs.

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SAFETY

 

• Use an approved car seat. You may need to transition into a rear-facing convertible car seat if your baby is outgrowing the infant carrier. Your baby should continue riding rear-facing until around 2 years of age.

• Serious injuries can occur from babies using TV stands, bookshelves, dressers and other furniture to pull themselves to standing; secure these types of items to the wall and remove tablecloths and table runners.

• Remove all chemicals, cleaning fluids, insect/weed sprays, oils, guns, cigarette butts and matches from reach.

• Medicines should all be kept in safety bottles and out of reach.  Be aware of medicine in purses and in others’ homes!

• Stove controls may now be a hazard and candles should be kept in a high place.

• Do not leave your baby unattended in or near the pool, tub, toilets or water of any kind.

• Place plug guards in all electrical outlets.

• Do not throw harmful objects such as razors or broken glass in the waste basket where your baby may reach it.

• In case of accidental ingestion, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

 

DEVELOPMENT

Provide your child with a variety of toys: musical toys, floating water toys, pie pans, plastic ware and lids, measuring spoons and stuffed animals.  You are still their best entertainment. NO TV until at least 2 years of age.

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PHYSICAL

We encourage exposing your child to many new sites, sounds and textures

 

• rolls over both ways and may begin to crawl

• supports weight on legs

• transfers toys from one hand to the other

 

SOCIAL

We encourage engaging your baby in conversations and singing songs.

• recognizes and may be afraid of strangers

• may express displeasure when a parent leaves the room

 

LANGUAGE

READ, READ, READ. It doesn’t matter what, just read at least 15 minutes per day.

• babbles a lot, squeals, laughs

• may say “Ma”, “Da”, “Ba” as jargon

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Next appointment is at 9 months of age!