Newborns and toddlers, from birth to 2 years of age, require special care and attention to ensure their physical, emotional, and developmental well-being.
Newborn Screening
- Physical care for newborns includes regular check-ups with a pediatrician, vaccinations, and ensuring proper nutrition and hydration. Newborns should also be kept warm and dry, and their sleep and diapering needs should be met.
- Toddlers, as they grow and become more mobile, require additional care to ensure their safety. This includes supervising them during playtime, childproofing the home, and teaching them about stranger safety. Toddlers also require proper nutrition and exercise, as well as regular check-ups with a pediatrician.
- Emotional and developmental care for newborns and toddlers includes providing a safe and loving environment, responding to their needs and emotions, and encouraging healthy social and cognitive development. This can be done through activities such as reading, talking, singing, and playing with them.
Newborn screening is a process that involves testing all newborn babies for certain conditions shortly after birth. The goal of newborn screening is to identify babies who have, or are at risk for, certain rare but serious conditions that can affect their health and development.
In the United States, newborn screening is typically done using a heel stick to obtain a small blood sample from the baby, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The blood is screened for a variety of conditions, including metabolic disorders, genetic disorders, and certain types of anemia.
The exact conditions that are screened for can vary depending on state laws and the specific laboratory performing the test. However, generally, newborn screening tests for a panel of about 30-40 conditions.
It is important to note that a positive test result does not necessarily mean that a baby has the condition, but it does mean that further testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis. In most cases, early detection and treatment of these conditions can greatly improve the outcome for the affected baby.
Routine Well-baby Visits
Routine well-baby visits, also known as well-child visits, are regular check-ups that are scheduled for infants and young children to assess their growth and development, provide immunizations, and identify any potential health issues. These visits typically occur at regular intervals, such as every 2-4 weeks for newborns, and then every 2-12 months for older infants and young children. During the visit, the pediatrician will check the child's weight, length, and head circumference, as well as their vision and hearing. They will also assess the child's development, such as their ability to sit up, crawl, and walk. The pediatrician may also administer any necessary vaccinations and provide advice on nutrition, sleep, and other aspects of child-rearing.
Vaccine Schedule
The vaccine schedule for infants and young children in the United States is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The schedule is designed to protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases as early as possible and to do so at ages when children are most vulnerable. The schedule generally starts at 2 months of age and continues until the child reaches 6 years of age. Some of the vaccines included in the schedule are:
- Hepatitis B (HepB) at birth, 1-2 months, and 6-18 months
- Rotavirus at 2 and 4 months
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) at 2, 4, and 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) at 2, 4, and 12-15 months
- Pneumococcal conjugate at 2, 4, and 12-15 months
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) at 12-15 months and 4-6 years
- Varicella (chickenpox) at 12-15 months and 4-6 years
- Hepatitis A (HepA) at 12-23 months
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) at 11-12 years
Growth & Development
Growth and development refer to the physical and cognitive changes that occur in children as they age. Physical growth includes changes in height, weight, and body proportions, while cognitive development refers to changes in thinking, language, and problem-solving abilities.
Physical growth:
-Newborns typically grow rapidly, gaining about 10-12 ounces per week and growing about 1 inch per month during the first six months.
-Toddlers will continue to grow at a steady rate, gaining about 4-5 pounds and growing 2.5-3 inches per year.
-During the preschool years, growth slows down, with children gaining about 3-4 pounds and growing 2-2.5 inches per year.
-During the school-age years, growth slows down even more, with children gaining about 2-3 pounds and growing 2-2.5 inches per year.
Teething & Baby’s First Dentist Visit
Teething is the process by which an infant's first set of teeth, called primary teeth, emerge through the gums. Teething typically begins around 6 months of age, and all 20 primary teeth should be present by the time the child is 3 years old.
Symptoms of teething can include:
- Drooling
- Chewing on things
- Irritability or fussiness
- Slight increase in body temperature
- Sore or swollen gums
- It is important to note that teething does not cause fever, diarrhea, or other symptoms.
For teething relief, you can:
- Give your child a clean teething ring or a cold, wet washcloth to chew on
- Gently rub or massage your baby's gums with your finger
- Give them a chilled, not frozen, fruit or vegetable to chew on
- Give them an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if your pediatrician approves)
As for the first dentist visit, it is recommended that a child have their first dental visit by the age of 1 or when the first tooth appears, whichever comes first. This first visit is usually a brief, informal meeting to help your child get used to the dentist and the dental office and to provide parents with information on oral health, teething, and how to prevent dental problems. The dentist will check the child's teeth and gums and may take x-rays if necessary. They will also provide guidance on how to care for your child's teeth and gums and answer any questions you may have.
Birth Defects
A birth defect also called a congenital disorder, is a condition that is present at birth and can affect any part of the body, including the brain, heart, lungs, and other organs. Birth defects can range from minor to severe and can have varying effects on a child's health and development. Some common examples of birth defects include:
- Cleft lip and cleft palate: These are conditions in which there is a gap or split in the upper lip or roof of the mouth.
- Heart defects: These are conditions that affect the structure or function of the heart, such as a hole in the heart or a problem with the heart valves.
- Down syndrome: A chromosomal disorder that causes intellectual disability and characteristic physical features.
- Spina bifida: A condition in which the spinal cord and surrounding bones do not form properly.
- Sickle cell anemia: A genetic disorder that affects the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
There are many potential causes of birth defects, including:
- Genetics and chromosomal abnormalities
- Environmental factors such as exposure to certain chemicals or medications
- Infections during pregnancy
- Poor nutrition or health conditions of the mother during pregnancy
- It is important to note that many birth defects are not preventable, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of certain defects. Some examples include:
- Getting early and regular prenatal care
- Avoiding certain medications and alcohol during pregnancy
- Eating a healthy diet and avoiding certain foods
- Avoiding exposure to certain environmental toxins
- Managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes before pregnancy
If a birth defect is suspected or identified, a pediatrician or a team of specialists will work with the family to provide appropriate care and support for the child and the family.
Childhood Allergies
Childhood allergies are a common condition that occurs when the immune system overreacts to a substance that is typically harmless, such as pollen, food, or animal dander. These substances are known as allergens, and they can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Sneezing, runny nose, and congestion
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- Hives or rash
- Nausea, stomach cramps, or vomiting (in the case of food allergies)
The most common childhood allergies are:
- Hay fever (allergic rhinitis), which is caused by pollen, mold, or other outdoor allergens
- Food allergies can be caused by any food, but the most common food allergens in children are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish
- Eczema is a skin condition that causes itchy, red, and scaly skin
- Asthma, is a lung condition that causes wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness
It is important to note that some children may have multiple allergies, and some symptoms may overlap. Additionally, allergies can develop at any age, and some children may outgrow certain allergies.
Diagnosis of allergies is usually done by a pediatrician or an allergist, a specialist in diagnosing and treating allergies. They may use a combination of physical examination, skin testing, and blood testing to identify the allergen(s) responsible for the child's symptoms.
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Children's Health
