...your family's pediatricians
What should my two month old be doing?
All babies develop at different rates. Please do not be discouraged or worried, if your child has not achieved the following milestones by 2 months.
At this age, your child should:
- Lift chest momentarily when on tummy
- Hold head steady when seated with support
- Discover hands and fingers
- Grasp with some control
- Smile and Coo with increasing frequency
- Follow objects by moving head from side to side
My baby is receiving four vaccines, is this really alright?
Although the immune system is still developing, it is quite sophisticated. Every day your child, is exposed to hundreds of antigens (the active parts of vaccines). When we give your child the vaccines, we are simply controlling a few of the antigens that he will see on that given day to provide protection against dangerous illnesses. If you would like more information on this topic, may I refer you to the wonderful video "Vaccines - Separating Facts from Fear" provided by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
What type of vaccine reaction should I expect?
Most babies do not have a reaction to the vaccines. A small percentage may develop a low-grade fever (under 101) or fussiness during the 24 hours after the administration of the vaccine. If this occurs, please provide a dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed on our Actaminophen doser. For more information on potential reactions to specific vaccines, please click on the Vaccine Information Sheets provided on the Centers for Disease Control website.
Does my baby need vitamin D supplementation?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends additional vitamin D for breastfed infants from 5 weeks or 2 months until the introduction of solids. Your baby will take 1 milliliter of Tri-vi-sol (a non-presciption liquid vitamin for your baby that contains vitamin A, C, and D +/- Iron) daily. Children should take this supplement until they consume at least 16 ounces of formula or start solids.
How much tylenol should my baby take after his vaccines?
Most babies will not have a reaction to the vaccines. If your child is irritable or develops a fever of >101, please consult the Dosing Tylenol Chart for the dose. This is a good time to print a copy of the print-friendly "Dosing Tylenol and Ibuprofen" chart so that you will know your child's appropriate dose as he or she grows.