Ensuring your child’s health and safety is one of the most crucial responsibilities of parenting, and it can also be one of the most challenging. It’s essential to understand how to manage common illnesses and what to expect during your baby’s early months.
In This Section
Newborn Health
- Newborn Screening Tests
- Your Baby’s First Checkup
- Understanding Infant Growth Charts
- Is Gripe Water Safe?
- How to Keep Newborn Babies Safe From Germs
- Your Guide to Newborn Poop Colors
- Your Baby’s Apgar Score
- Erythromycin Eye Ointment for Newborns
- The Newborn Heel Stick Test
- What to Know About the Hepatitis B (HepB) Vaccine for Babies
- Why Do Newborns Get a Vitamin K Shot?
Well-Baby Visits
- Your Guide to Well-Baby Visits
- The First-Week Well-Baby Visit
- The 1-Month Well-Baby Visit
- The 2-Month Well-Baby Visit
- The 4-Month Well-Baby Visit
- The 6-Month Well-Baby Visit
- The 9-Month Well-Baby Visit
- The 12-Month Well-Baby Visit
Common Conditions
- Acid Reflux and Infant GERD
- Colic
- Common Cold
- Constipation
- Coughs
- Croup
- Dehydration
- Diaper Rash
- Diarrhea
- Ear Infections
- Epstein Pearls
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Fever
- Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly)
- The Flu (Influenza Virus)
- Food Allergies
- Gassy Baby
- Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
- Hives
- Jaundice
- Mosquito Bites
- Omphalitis
- Rashes
- Rotavirus
- RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
- Seasonal Allergies
- Sore Throat
- Strep Throat
- Stuffy Nose
- Thrush
- Torticollis
- Umbilical Granuloma
- Vomiting
Staying Healthy
- When to Call the Pediatrician
- How to Protect Babies in the Cold
- How to Protect Babies in the Heat
- Sunscreen and Sun Protection for Babies
- Vitamin D for Babies
- Are Antibiotics Safe for Babies and Toddlers?
- When Is Your Child Too Sick for Day Care?
Staying Safe
- How to Babyproof the House
- Why Leaving Your Child in the Car Is So Dangerous
- Children’s Medication Safety
- How to Childproof Furniture
- Why Children Should Always Ride in the Back Seat of a Car
- Crawling Safety Tips
- Common Childhood Poisons
- Can You Put a Car Seat in a Shopping Cart?
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As you navigate these early months with your baby, it’s also important to consider the mental aspects of parenting. If you’re experiencing challenges, you can find valuable resources on pregnancy depression. Moreover, educational podcasts like this one from Cleveland Clinic provide excellent information on fertility and insemination.
Lastly, when the time comes to transition from breastfeeding, be sure to check out our weaning guide for tips on how to make the process smoother.
Summary
Caring for your infant’s health and safety requires knowledge and vigilance. From understanding common health conditions to ensuring their environment is safe, parents must be proactive. Resources available online can help guide you through this journey, whether you are dealing with a health issue or planning for the future.