Know what to expect! Year 0-1
Pediatric Anticipatory Guidance
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Growth
- Babies grow quickly.
- Your baby should learn to sit, roll, crawl, and walk.
- They should coo, babble, smile, laugh, and clap.
- Talk, read, and sing with your baby.
- Babies don’t need screen time. Video calls with family and friends are okay.
- If you have concerns about your baby, talk with your doctor.
Shots
- Babies need shots at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months.
- Parents need a whooping cough shot too.
- Babies start flu and COVID shots at 6 months.
- The first year, there are 2 flu shots a month apart.
Milk
- Breastfeeding alone is best for the first 6 months.
- Continue breastfeeding for 2 years or more.
- Most breastfed babies do not need formula.
- Call WIC or 211 for help with breastfeeding.
- Breastfed babies need vitamin D drops for the first 12 months.
- Babies who drink formula need a formula with iron for the first 12 months.
- Cow milk formula like Similac or Enfamil is the first choice.
- Do not add anything else in the bottles.
- Do not leave bottles in bed with the baby.
- Do not use bottles after the first birthday.
Drinks
- At 6 months, babies can drink some plain water. Give no more than 1 cup (8oz) a day.
- At 12 months, babies can drink 2 cups of whole cow milk a day in a sippy cup.
- Do not give babies flavored milk.
- Avoid sweet drinks, like juice, soda, and sweet tea.
Food
- Start soft foods at 4-6 months of age. Mash foods well.
- Give foods with plenty of iron and zinc.
- Offer different vegetables and fruits, whole grains, nut butters, beans, and protein.
- Give thin peanut butter and well-cooked eggs at 6 months.
- Give foods that taste and feel different. It may take 12 tries before a baby likes a new food. Keep offering healthy foods!
- Let babies eat when they’re hungry and stop when they aren’t hungry.
- Limit packaged foods and snacks. They have too much salt, sugar, and fat.
- No honey before a baby is 1 year old.
Sleep
- Never let a baby sleep with anyone who smokes or drinks alcohol.
- Follow the ABCs: Alone, on their Back, in a Crib.
Help
- If you need help, go to findhelp.org.
- You can get help with food, housing, medicine, and other things.
Car Seat
- Use https://cert.safekids.org/ to get your car seat checked.
- Car seats should be in the back seat.
- Keep baby facing backward for the first 2 years.
Poisons
- Keep vitamins, medicines, cleaners, and other dangerous stuff locked away.
- Keep the Poison Control Center number (1-800-222-1222) handy.
Tobacco
- Do not use or be around tobacco, e-cigarettes, vapes, Juuls, or other smoke.
- Call 1-800-NO-BUTTS and visit nobutts.org for free help.
Safety
- Set home water temperature to 120F or less to prevent burns.
- Never leave a baby alone in or around water, even for a few seconds.
- Fence swimming pools on all sides.
- Check smoke detectors twice a year and replace batteries.
- Use safety guards on windows and gates for stairs.
Help
- If you need help, go to findhelp.org.
You can get help with food, housing, medicine, and other things.
Car Seat
- Use https://cert.safekids.org/ to get your car seat checked.
- Car seats should be in the back seat.
- Keep baby facing backward for the first 2 years.
Sun
- Protect baby from the sun with long sleeves and long pants.
- Put on sunglasses and a hat.
- Limit time in the sun between 10am and 4pm.
Firearms
- Firearms at home should be unloaded and locked.
- Ammunition should be locked separately.
- If anyone at home has depression or mental illness, keep firearms at a different location.
Mental Health
- Parents may have sadness after a baby is born. Talk with your doctor.
- Good apps for mental health are Calm, Headspace, Mindshift, Smiling Mind, and Panic Relief.
- For mental health crises, call or text 988 for help.
- For thoughts of hurting self or others, call 911 or go to the ER.