Checking in with the pediatrician

Your bundle of joy is home from the hospital and you can't wait to begin family life with your new little one. But as they say, “Babies don't come with operating manuals.” Dr.  Julianne Thomas with Pediatric Center P.C. in Cedar Rapids, answers some common questions all parents ask. To see some of the beautiful babies born in 2011, check out the New Baby News section of Milestones in the Feb. 19, Sunday edition of The Gazette.

Sleeping

When should baby begin sleeping through the night, and what are some sleep-through-the-night strategies for babies who wake up and cry during the night?

“Some infants sleep through the night by two months of age and others as late as 12 months,

but most by two to four months of age. Infants are more likely to sleep through the night if they are put to bed awake and learn to self-quiet. If an infant awakens in the night over four months of age, avoid feeding or playing, and work on putting infant to bed awake.”

Is it okay for baby to sleep in bed with parents?

“No. Infants should sleep on a smooth firm surface, not an adult size bed. Room sharing is encouraged but not bed-sharing. Bed-sharing increases risks of entrapment or suffocation. The risk of SIDS decreases as much as 50 percent if infants do not share parents' bed.”

Spitting up

Should be parents or caretakers be concerned if baby spits up a lot?

“More than half of babies spit up to some degree. It usually improves by six to seven months of age probably because of the sitting position and the addition of solid foods. Parents should seek attention promptly if there is any blood in the material spit up, and should also see the pediatrician if the spitting up becomes progressively more forceful and frequent, causes choking or seems to cause discomfort.”

Infant rashes

Are there common rashes and how should parents treat them?

“There are many infant rashes and skin conditions including infant acne, eczema, diaper and

viral rashes. Most are harmless. Treatment depends upon the diagnosis and often needs to be seen to be sure of the cause, although general management may be recommended after phone consultation with your pediatrician.”

Fever

At what age is it okay to give baby an over-the-counter medication for a fever?

“Fever is a common sign of infection and can be helpful to the body so it does not always need to be treated. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used as young as three months of age and ibuprofen may be used after six months of age. Medication is recommended if the child is uncomfortable or has history of febrile seizure. Very recent studies suggest that acetaminophen may be related to childhood asthma so it may not be the best choice for these children. Do not give aspirin to infants, children or teens.”

At what temperature should the pediatrician be called?

“Fever is a symptom, not a disease. It is important to determine the cause of fever and you should call your pediatrician if the infant is less than two months old and has a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher; for infants three to six months of age with fever of 101 or higher; and infants over six months with fever over 103 degrees. More important than height of fever is if your child acts or looks sick or has had a febrile seizure.”