During these early months, you may find yourself with many questions about your baby's health. Most doctors have phone hours when you can call with routine questions. Don't hesitate to call your child's doctor with your concerns, no matter how small they may seem. Of course, if you suspect illness, don't wait for phone hours - call your doctor immediately. As in the newborn period, illness at this age requires immediate attention.

When Will We See the Doctor?

You will most likely visit your child's doctor with your infant at least once every two months until your baby is about six months old. Not all doctors follow this routine, though, so be sure to ask your own child's doctor for his or her well-baby checkup schedule.

Your infant is seen regularly to assess growth, feeding, and sleeping habits, among other things. These regular checkups also provide opportunities for your child's doctor to check up on any areas of concern that may have been uncovered at your baby's previous checkup and for you to ask any questions you have about your baby's health or behavior.

What Will Happen at the Office Visit?

When you visit your child's doctor during these early months, he or she will be checking your baby's progress and growth. Here are some of the more common components of a checkup:

• Weight, length, and head circumference measurements that are plotted on your baby's own growth chart
• A physical examination with special attention to any previous problems uncovered
• Assessment of physical and emotional development (for example, your baby's head control, vision, and social interaction)
• Questions about how you are doing with your baby
• Advice about feeding, vitamins, and other aspects of nutrition
• What to expect during the coming months, including a discussion of babyproofing your home
• Your baby will receive immunizations during some visits (see below).

Bring to your child's doctor any questions or concerns you may have. Write down any specific instructions he or she gives you regarding special baby care. Update your infant's permanent medical record, tracking growth and problems or illnesses.

What Immunizations Will My Baby Receive?

At one to two months old, your baby will receive the second dose of the hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) if the first dose was given just after birth. With combination vaccines, however, the 2 month visit may be the first time that your baby receives any immunizations..

At two months (and again at four months), he or she will be given several vaccines:

• Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine
• Polio vaccine (IPV)
• Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) - this is a newer vaccine now given in a series of four shots over the first 15 months of life.
• Possibly hepatitis B vaccine (HBV)

Some of these safeguards against serious childhood illnesses can cause reactions (usually mild), such as fever or irritability. Be sure to discuss side effects with your doctor and get guidelines for when to call the office.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

There are some common medical problems at this age that may need a doctor's attention. They include:

• Diarrhea and vomiting, which could be caused by an infection of the digestive tract and can put your infant at risk for dehydration.
• Ear infections, which can affect infants this young. A baby with an ear infection may become irritable. Fever may or may not be present.
• Rashes, which are common in infants. Some may not seem to bother your baby, but some skin conditions like eczema can result in dry, scaly patches that are itchy and uncomfortable. Your doctor can tell you which lotions, creams, and soaps to use.
• Upper respiratory tract infections (including the common cold), which affect infants just like the rest of us. Since a baby can't blow his or her own nose, you'll have to handle clearing mucus with a rubber bulb aspirator. Don't give your baby any medications without checking first with your doctor. Call the pediatrician's office immediately if baby develops a cough, refuses to eat, has a rectal temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), or is excessively cranky or sleepy.

Again, don't hesitate to contact your child's doctor's office if you have any health or behavior concerns.

Updated and reviewed by: Barbara Homeier, MD
Date reviewed: January 2005
Originally reviewed by: Steve Dowshen, MD