Infant Care

1. General Information
2. Physical Characteristics
3. Feeding
4. Odds and Ends

ODDS & ENDS

1. Fever

If your infant is under two months old and develops a fever of 100.5 or higher rectally, call our office immediately no matter the time. Infants at this age can be sicker than they appear and are often admitted to the hospital if there is a fever. Older children are much less susceptible to serious infection so a fever alone is not as concerning. Most older children will develop a fever at the start of a cold or other viral illness. No one feels well when they have a fever, but if your child is lethargic, refuses to drink, has persistent vomiting or other symptoms that concern you, call our office. If not, it is usually fine to observe the child for 2-3 days before calling.

2. Crowds

Since infants under 2 months are so vulnerable to infection, try to limit your baby’s exposure to people who are sick. It is better for friends and family to visit when they are well. Even a mild cold can lead to a fever in an infant. Do not, however, feel that you are trapped in your home. Feel free to take walks with your baby. When you need to go to a public place, choose times that tend to be less crowded and avoid people who are ill. Just use your instincts, and your baby will do fine.

3. Siblings

Older children can have difficulty initially adjusting to a new sibling. Try to keep your older child’s schedule consistent as best as you can, allow her to help with the baby in ways that are appropriate, and be sure to give her time alone with each parent when possible. Try to make her feel that her new role as a big sibling is very important and that you love her just as much as before. These things will help your older children feel safe and unthreatened by your new addition.

4. Car Seats

Auto accidents are the leading killer of people between the ages of 6 months and 40 years. About 93% of young people killed in an auto accident would have survived if properly restrained. A child should
always be restrained when traveling in a car. An infant seat should be rear facing until the child is 20 lbs and at least 1 year old. The car seat should be replaced when the child reaches the size limits noted on the seat. Once out of a car seat, a child should use a booster seat until the shoulder strap rests on the shoulder and does not press on the neck. This generally occurs at a weight of around 80 lbs. Due to airbags, a child should ride in the back seat until she is adult height which is around 13 years old. Consider having your car seat installation checked at your local police or fire station to ensure it is done properly.

5. Temperature

The house temperature can be whatever you are comfortable in but not below 60 degrees. Dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing; this can be a blanket or terrycloth suit for small infants.

6. Suggested Supplies

Acetaminophen drops for children two months or older, bulb syringe, saline drops, rubbing alcohol, vaporizer, rectal thermometer, Vaseline, Desitin or other zinc oxide based diaper cream.

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