Vaccinations For Children
At one to two months of age the baby will probably receive the second dose of the hepatitis B vaccine (the first was probably given just after birth.) At two months (and again at four months), the baby will be given several vaccines:
• diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine
• Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine
• polio vaccine
Some of these safeguards against serious childhood illnesses can cause reactions (usually mild), such as fever or irritability. Parents should discuss side effects with the doctor and obtain guidelines for what to do if there are any reactions.
Four to Seven Months
From four to seven months is a time of incredibly rapid growth. In addition to continuing concerns about eating and sleeping, parents may begin to wonder whether the child is growing and developing properly. During this stage, the doctor will monitor the baby’s progress and answer any questions. The doctor will probably want to see the baby at four months and at six months, although this may differ from one doctor to the next. Of course, if there has been any problem in the past, the doctor may want to schedule extra visits. Well-baby visits vary from doctor to doctor, but may include:
• length, weight, and head circumference measurements (baby’s growth will be plotted on his own growth chart)
• physical exam
• check of the baby’s soft spots (the fontanelles) at the top and back of the head
• examination of the baby’s mouth for signs of teething