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HEALTH ISSUES
Breastfeed or use an iron fortified formula.
Do not put bottle in bed with baby or prop the bottle in baby’s mouth.
Do not give baby honey.
Continue to boil water used for formula preparation for 6 months if you have a well water source.
Do not feed your baby solid foods until 4-6 months.
Know how to use a thermometer to take a rectal temperature.
Do not over-bundle baby - a simple rule is to add one layer (like a blanket) for baby to whatever seems comfortable for you (if a T-shirt is comfortable for you, have baby wear a T-shirt PLUS one layer).
Avoid direct sun exposure. If necessary, use a sunblock - SPF 15-30.
Use a vitamin supplement (Vitamins A,D,E,K) recommended by your pediatrician if you are exclusively breastfeeding.
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SAFETY ISSUES
Continue safe car seat use. Read instructions for proper installation. Here are some general guidelines:
Place seat in the middle of the back seat, rear facing.
Use the "H" or "I" clip if you have a retractable shoulder harness.
Ensure that the crib you use is safe and relatively new. Space between slat should be no more than 2 3/8 inches.
Do not place fluffy pillows, blankets or stuffed animals in with baby.
Place baby on his or her BACK for sleeping.
Always keep a hand on your baby when lying on a changing table, bed or sofa.
Turn the hot water heater in your home down so the hottest water you can get from the faucet is 120 degrees.
Install or test your smoke detector in or near your baby’s room.
Childproof your home (poisons, medicines, guns, plastic bags, sharp objects, cords, outlets, cigarettes, hot liquids, latches on cabinets). Visit our poison safety tips page at www.YourPediatrician.com.
Purchase a bottle of Activated Charcoal to have on hand in case of ingestion of a poison.
Obtain your local Poison Control Center’s phone number and keep it on hand (you can obtain this from our Web site, www.YourPediatrician.com).
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YOUR BABY SHOULD…
Respond to sounds by startling or blinking.
Look at your face and follows with eyes.
Turn to the sound of your voice.
Be interacting with you, socializing more.
Be lifting his or her head momentarily.
Be sleeping up to 3-4 hours at a time between feedings.
Be able to stay awake for one or more hours.
Have bowel movements at least once every 3 days if formula fed, once every week if breast fed.
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