Baby's Care and Development
Check-ups and shots (immunizations)
Check-ups
An important part of keeping your baby healthy is taking
him to a pediatrician for "well baby" check-ups.
At each visit the doctor will weigh and measure your baby
to make sure he is growing at a healthy rate, check his eyesight
and hearing, and talk to you about his behavior. These visits
also give you a chance to ask any questions you might have
about your baby's development.
A doctor should see your baby when your baby is:
- Within the first month
- Two months old
- Four months old
- Six months old
- Nine or fifteen months old
- 12 months old
Shots (Immunizations)
Your baby will need the following shots during the first
15 months of life:
- Hep B: Protects against hepatitis
B, a serious liver disease
- DTaP: Protects against diphtheria,
tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough)
- Hib: Protects against haemophilus
influenza type b
- Polio: Protects against polio.
This vaccine is given as a shot (inactivated vaccine called
IPV).
- MMR: Protects against measles,
mumps, and rubella (German measles)
- Chickenpox: Varicella zoster
vaccine protects against chickenpox
Use the chart as a guide for when your baby should get
his shots. Shots can usually be given even if your baby has
a cold or is sick on the day of the visit. Your doctor will
determine a specific schedule for your child.
Your child may be eligible for his or her vaccines at a reduced rate. Please review The N.C. Division of Public Health's Vaccines for Children Program fact sheet for additional information.
Age |
Shots
needed |
Birth to two months |
Hep B |
1 to 4 months |
Hep B |
2 months |
DTaP, Hib, Polio |
4 months |
DTaP, Hib, Polio |
6 months |
DTaP, Hib, Hep B |
12 months |
MMR, Hib, Polio, Chickenpox |
15 months |
DTaP |
All babies should be immunized. Immunizations are required
to attend child care and school. If you don't have a pediatrician,
call your local health department. They usually give shots
to children (at no or low cost) or can help you find a clinic
that provides shots.
Other Links
North Carolina Vaccines for Children Program The N.C. Division of Public Health's fact sheet explains eligibility for this program and other information pertaining to reduced costs for required vaccines for children up to 19 years of age.
Period of PURPLE Crying Program web site designed to help parents understand this time in their baby’s life, which is a normal part of every infant’s development.
WIC
Program Breastfeeding and Support WIC strives to increase the incidence
and duration of breastfeeding among women enrolled in the Program.
Carolinas
Poison Center - 1-800-222-1222
National
HEALTHYCHILDREN.ORG a new parenting Web site from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The site includes general information related to child health plus more specific guidance on parenting issues and is promoted as "the only parenting Web site backed by 60,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults."
For more health information, search MedlinePlus |
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Last updated: May 2014 |
