YOUR BABY: 4-TO-9 MONTHS
This tends to be a time when babies get their first colds and other illnesses, particularly during winter months. Most are not dangerous at all. The best clue is in the eyes – a baby who looks well usually is, while a baby who is really ill will tell you with the look in his eyes.
- Prevention is best. All babies should see the pediatrician at about 4, 6, and 9 months of age. These visits are not just for shots, but are times when we screen for a variety of subtle problems and are a good opportunity for you to learn more about your baby.
- At 4 and 6 months the baby will receive vaccines again. Mild soreness at the site of the vaccines is likely. Giving Acetaminophen every four hours for a day may prevent or minimize this. The benefits of giving these vaccines FAR outweigh the risks involved. If you want to know more about this, see our more detailed vaccine handouts or ask.
- Fever is the body’s normal response to any kind of illness and actually HELPS you get better. It is not dangerous and cannot hurt your child. Furthermore, neither the presence nor the height of a fever has any correlation with how dangerous the illness causing it is. Minor viruses often cause very high fevers, while some deadly illnesses cause little fever at all. Thus, it is the OTHER symptoms of illness we are most interested in when evaluating your child.
- Fever is uncomfortable, and this is why we treat it. Use Acetaminophen (Tylenol, many other brands) infant drops according to the instructions in our Acute Illness Guide. Never use aspirin in children. Sponge baths are also unwise – they actually raise the temperature deep inside the body rapidly while cooling only the surface. Getting the child with a fever to drink plenty of fluids is important for many reasons, and will help get the fever down as well.
- Do not use nonprescription “over-the-counter” medications for coughs, colds, diarrhea, etc. unless directed by a physician. In general, the side effects far outweigh the minimal benefits in this age group.
- Teething can start anytime from 3 – 15 months, and is somewhat painful. It can cause drooling, a runny nose, poor sleep, irritability, and even pulling at the ears. It does not cause fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash however. It is best to avoid “rub on” teething medications – babies can overdose on these. Use Acetaminophen for the pain and give the baby something to chew on to speed up the process. A bagel often works better than conventional teething rings, especially beyond 6-7 months age.
- Even a minor illness that doesn’t seem be getting better after 7-10 days should be seen by the doctor.