Cute Babies

Childhood Vaccinations

vaccination babyOne of the important parts of your baby’s health and well being is ensuring he or she receives the proper childhood vaccinations at the proper time. Some parents have strong feelings about vaccinations, however, fearing they are a health risk to their baby. Most experts agree (and a great deal of research supports) that the risks associated with vaccinations are extremely small in comparison to the risks associated with the illnesses and diseases they protect against.
Which vaccinations are recommended?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a comprehensive schedule of vaccinations, designed to provide the broadest range of protection possible for your child. These recommendations include the following:

DTaP – This is the diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis vaccination that is usually given as a five separate injections. The usual ages at which the injections are given are 2 months; 4 months; 6 months; 15 to 18 months; and 4 to 6 years of age. A booster shot is often given around 11 or 12 years of age, with a tetanus booster given every 10 years after that.

Hepatitis B – This vaccination gives long term protection from the very dangerous hepatitis B infection. It is usually given as three separate injections, the first immediately after birth; the second at 1 to 4 months of age; and the third at 6 to 18 months of age.

Hepatitis A – This is a serious disease that can lead to epidemics quite easily, so it is now a recommended vaccination for babies. It is given in two injections, starting at 12 to 23 months of age and another given six months later.

Hib – This vaccination protects against the haemophilus influenza type b bacteria, which can cause serious cases of meningitis in babies and young children. It is given in four separate injections, at 2 months; 4 months; 6 months; and a booster at 12 to 15 months.

Polio – Also called IPV, this vaccination protects against the polio virus. It is given in four injections, at 2 months; 4 months; 6 to 18 months; and at 4 to 6 years of age.

MMR – This is the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination that is given as two injections. The first is given at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second is given as 4 to 6 years of age.

Varicella – This is the chickenpox vaccine, added to the list of recommended vaccinations within the last fifteen years or so. It is given in two injections at 12 to 15 months of age and 4 to 6 years of age. Some research indicates a booster shot may be needed in the late teens or early twenties, but that has not been conclusively determined yet.

Influenza – This is also commonly called the “flu shot”, given each year to protect at-risk children and adults against the serious illness that is influenza. It is given annually, usually in two separate injections that are two weeks apart for children nine years of age or younger. A newer delivery method, called the nasal mist vaccine, is available but is not appropriate for all at-risk groups. Ask your doctor which vaccination method is best for your child.

Pneumococcal (PCV) – This is a combined vaccination that protects against serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria. It is given in four injections, at 2 months; 4 months; 6 months; and 12 to 15 months of age.

MCV4 – This is a meningitis vaccine that is recommended for older children, teens, and college students. It is generally given at 11 to 12 years of age, with booster shots at 15 years of age and just prior to entering college.
Check with your doctor There is some room for variation in these recommendations, based on your child’s age and other risk factors. Check with your doctor on a regular basis to ensure your baby remains up to date with the most current schedule of recommended vaccinations.

Breastfeeding Foods To Avoid
avoid raw meat

avoid caffeine When you are breastfeeding it is important to eat a diet that is nutritious and healthy, partly to ensure your own health and partly to ensure the milk you produce is healthy and plentiful for your baby. The foods you eat can and do affect your milk, which can lead to a baby with excess gas or tummy aches if you are not careful.

Foods to avoid when nursing

There are a number of foods you should limit or avoid when breastfeeding, such as:

* Milk products – Excess cow’s milk, strong cheeses, sour cream, etc.
* Eggs – White or brown
* Wheat Products – Heavy grain breads, whole oats, etc.
* Citrus Fruit – Oranges, grapefruit, kumquat, lemon, lime, etc.
* Caffeine – Found in coffee, tea, and many sodas
* Chocolate – Especially dark chocolate and anything made with pure cocoa powder
* Garlic – Chunks, powdered, or minced
* Cucumbers – Fresh, cooked, or pickled
* Freshwater fish – Trout, bass, etc.
* Raw foods – Sushi, undercooked meat, etc.

avoid wheat It’s important to remember that babies will have a wide range of reactions to these foods. Some mothers can eat garlic to their heart’s content, for example, with their baby not being affected at all. Other mothers can eat just a small square of milk chocolate and end up with a baby who has painful gas and bloating. The best approach is to limit your intake of these types of foods as much as possible, and when you do add one into your diet, do so slowly and in small amounts. This will allow you to spot any problems a food might cause for your baby right away. avoid milk
How do you know if a food bothers your baby?

avoid dark chocolateKnowing when and what foods bother your baby is not an exact science by any means. Each baby is different, both in terms of which foods are bothersome and the symptoms that might appear. In general, the most common symptoms of a baby who is affected by something the mother has eaten include:

* Colic
* Intestinal pain
* Bloating
* Gas

avoid garlic avoid cucumberThe problem is that these symptoms only appear after a feeding, and the offending food is likely something the mother ate four to eight hours before the feeding. If your baby appears to be having symptoms like this, try keeping a food diary for a few days and avoiding the common problem foods listed above. If the problem goes away, slowly add in new foods one at a time to determine which one is the culprit so you can avoid it in the future.

Another issue that might crop up is related to food dyes. Some food dyes, such as those in brightly colored soda pop, candy, etc., can pass through breast milk and into the baby, leading to discoloration in the urine. If your baby’s urine appears discolored and you have recently consumed foods with food dyes, cut them out of your diet and you will likely see improvement quite rapidly.
A word about allergic reactions

Some babies will show signs of allergic reactions to foods their mother eats. These reactions can include vomiting, diarrhea, wheezing, runny nose, bronchitis, or skin rash. If your baby is exhibiting these symptoms regularly, it is well worth a visit to the doctor to determine if they are caused by a medical issue or could potentially be caused by an allergy issue.