Your baby's health and wellbeing

Immunisations will protect your baby from childhood diseases, including measles and whooping cough.

Once you become a parent, it seems as though you spend most of your time worrying about your child–is he happy? Is he healthy? Don't worry! We have advice on everything from your baby's first check-up to the toddler years.

Taking good care of your child's health is one of the biggest challenges you face as a parent. Your little one depends on you for everything–and giving love and care is your top priority.

No parent is totally confident about caring for their first child–everyone gets anxious, worried and has tons of questions. You can prepare yourself to best care for your child's growth and development by reading books on the topic and discussing any concerns with your pediatrician. Here's a look at some of the common questions from new parents.

Q What can I expect during my baby's first check-up?
A As a new parent, you should be sure to keep regular check-ups with your baby's doctor. During the first visit, the doctor might carry out the following procedures:

• Check your baby's weight, length and head circumference and compare them to growth charts
• Do a physical exam on your baby
• Update immunizations
• Perform screening tests (such as pricking your baby's heel for a blood sample to test for certain diseases, and a hearing test)

Q Does my baby really need all those immunizations?
A The short answer is yes. Keeping your baby healthy means making sure he or she is protected from childhood diseases, including measles and whooping cough. For the best protection, doctors recommend that your baby have the following immunizations (or vaccinations) before age two:

• Hepatitis B
• Rotavirus
• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP)
• Haemophilus influenza type b
• Inactivated poliovirus
• Influenza
• Measles, mumps, rubella
• Varicella (chicken pox)
• Pneumococcal
• Hepatitis A

Talk with your doctor about when is the best time to schedule these immunizations, and always keep track of when your child completes each one.

Q I know breastfeeding is best for my newborn but what do I feed her when she turns one and has teeth (ouch!)?
A First, well done for recognizing that breast milk is by far the best nutrition for your newborn.

Many mothers breastfeed their newborns until age one, but begin to add infant cereals and baby foods of vegetables and fruits around six to eight months.

As you start giving your child new table food, start each food slowly for only a few days to see if your child has any allergic reactions. It's usually a good idea to delay adding foods that cause most reactions, such as whole eggs, citrus fruits, seafood and nuts.

A huge part of a toddler's diet is milk because it provides the calcium and vitamin D needed to build strong bones. Children under two years old should drink whole milk.

A good rule of thumb when feeding your baby is to give him or her a variety of foods. Start your baby on a healthy balanced diet that the whole family can follow for years to come.

Q Once my baby starts walking, I know I'll get lots of exercise. How can I keep up our activity level as he gets older?
A Staying active is as important for you as it is for your child. The percentage of overweight adults in the United States has climbed dramatically along with the number of overweight children.

As your toddler gets older, adopt a healthy habit of exercising together. Go on walks, play catch, or push toy cars around the house. Start limiting the time your child spends watching TV or playing video games. Exercise goes a long way in keeping your family healthy.

Q I always have so many questions when I take my baby to the doctor. How can I get the most out of my visit?
A As your baby grows, you'll see that your pediatrician will become a partner in making sure your little one stays as healthy as possible. There are some things parents can do to make the most of their office visits and to build a good doctor-patient relationship with their child s doctor:

• Be prepared Jot down all your questions before the visit so you can easily remember your concerns. And if you're there because your baby is sick, make sure to tell the doctor details about all the symptoms your baby has, such as a high temperature or diarrhea.
• Be on time Office visits can be a hectic time, but do your part by being on time for your appointments. If you have to reschedule, call the office at least one day before.
• Be clear Before you leave the office, make sure you understand what follow-up appointments or laboratory tests your child may need. If the doctor prescribes a medication, be clear on how and when you are supposed to give it to your baby. It doesn't hurt to repeat the instructions to the doctor or nurse just to make sure you have them right. If the doctor uses a word or phrase you're not sure about, don't be embarrassed to say: "What does that mean exactly?"