Medical Care/Immunizations

Check-up visits to the doctor for your baby

Right after your baby is born, make an appointment for your baby's first check-up. This is the time to ask questions about your baby. The doctors, nurses, nutritionists and social workers are there to help keep your baby healthy. The first check-up should be done within the first week.

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Immunizations (baby shots) will be given to protect your baby from serious illness like:

• Rubella
• Mumps
• Whooping Cough
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis B
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Measles
• HIB
• Varicella

Well-Baby check-ups are done at the following ages:

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 2 years
• yearly

Hepatitis B may be given as early as birth. Click here for an informational brochure on Hepatitis B Vaccine - What you need to know. Provided by the U.S. Department on Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you have any questions or doubts, call for help:

• Public Health Nurse
• Home Care Nurse
• Doctor's Office
• Lactation Consultant

See Resources for Help for phone numbers.

You will need to call the doctor if:

• Baby's temperature is less than 97.5°
• Baby has vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• Foul odor or drainage from cord or circumcision
• Hard to wake, sleeps through more than 1 feeding after 4 days of age
• Less than 6-8 wet diapers in 24 hours by the 5th day of life
• Baby is having less than 2 bowel movements in 24 hours during the first month
• Baby has trouble breathing
• Baby has a fever
• Cries more than usual
• Your baby's skin turns more yellow
• Your baby's abdomen, arms, or legs are yellow
• The whites of your baby's eyes are yellow
• Your baby is jaundiced and is hard to wake, fussy, or not nursing or taking formula well

Remember, no smoking in the home. Infants and children who live in homes where people smoke are more likely to have ear infections, allergies, coughs, congestion, and asthma.