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.
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
CARE - LINE
|
Contact the CARE-LINE
7 AM - 11 PM/ 7 days a week
including holidays
1-800-662-7030 (English/ Spanish)
1-877-452-2514 (TTY)
|
 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
For more health information, search MedlinePlus |
 |
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Last updated: November 2009
|
