Pediatrics: Ashburn, Loudoun, Leesburg, Lansdowne, Broadlands,
Sterling, Cascades, Potomac Falls and Potomac Station:
General
Information for a 4 Month Old Baby:
Oral
Stage –
Everything tends to wind up into his or her mouth. Watch for choking
hazards.
Walkers
–
Avoid using them, they are dangerous and will delay walking.
Sleeping
-
Your baby should be sleeping better and at predictable times by
now. Keep early morning awakenings calm with minimal excitement.
Try to wean feeds at this time of the night, and substitute smaller
amounts of formula or water when possible.
Sun
Exposure –
It is never too early to protect you baby from the sun. Using
a SPF of 15-30 is recommended.
Development
-
Your baby will learn to laugh and should already be smiling.
Your baby will soon be able to lift his or her chest off of the
bed by using his or her forearms. Many babies have discovered
their hands at this age.
Diet
-
It is a good time to introduce solids to your baby. How fast
you can introduce different consistencies will depend on how many
teeth your baby erupts and how quickly. Teething starts as early
as 3 months or as late as 12 months. Generally, start with rice
or grain cereals and then the infant foods. Remember that infant
formulas taste horrible, so don't go straight to apple sauce and
sweet potatoes. Start with the green beans, squash, and other
vegetables. After your baby develops a taste for them then you
can introduce the sweet treats. Introduce only one new product
per week; this way if an allergic response occurs, you will be
able to identify the culprit.
Safety
Toys -
Be careful that small objects and containers are outside baby's
reach. Watch out for sharp objects.
Falling
–
Do not leave your baby unattended on elevated surfaces.
Sleep - Your baby should sleep in a crib on his or her side
or back.
Cars
–
Continue to use a rear facing car seat until your baby is
20lbs.
Vaccinations
Polio vaccine - It should not
be given if your child is allergic to the antibiotics neomycin,
polymyxin or streptomycin
DTaP (Diptheria, Pertusis, and Tetnus) - Should not be given if your child has a newly diagnosed
seizure disorder. Can cause fever and redness.
Rotavirus
vaccine- Most
common cause of serious diarrhea in children
HIB (Haemophilis) - Can cause
fever and redness. Prevents serious cause of meningitis.
Prevnar (Streptococcus pneumoniae) - Can cause fever and redness. Prevents serious cause of pneumonia
and meningitis.
More
information on the vaccinations:
