4 Months
 | HEALTH ISSUES
Breastfeed or use an iron fortified formula.
Do not put bottle in bed with baby or prop the bottle in babys mouth.
Do not give baby honey.
Continue to boil water used for formula preparation for 6 months if you have a well water
source.
Consider introducing solid foods at 4-6 months (cereal first, then others).
Do not put cereal in bottle, rather spoon feed baby.
Know how to use a thermometer to take a
rectal temperature (instructions are reviewed on our on-line
video at www.YourPediatrician.com).
Do not over-bundle baby - a simple rule is to add one layer (like a blanket) for baby to
whatever seems comfortable for you (if a T-shirt is comfortable
for you, have baby wear a T-shirt PLUS one layer).
Avoid direct sun exposure. If necessary, use a sunblock - SPF 15-30.
Use a vitamin supplement (Vitamins A,D,E,K) recommended by your pediatrician
if you are exclusively breastfeeding.
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 | SAFETY ISSUES
Continue safe car seat use. Read instructions for proper installation. Here are some
general guidelines:
Place seat in the middle of the back seat, rear facing.
Use the "H" or "I" clip if you have a retractable
shoulder harness.
Do not place fluffy pillows, blankets or stuffed animals in with baby.
Place baby on his or her BACK for sleeping.
Always keep a hand on your baby when lying on a changing table, bed or sofa.
Turn the hot water heater in your home down so the hottest water you can get from the
faucet is 120 degrees.
Install and test your smoke detector in or near your babys room.
Childproof your home (poisons, medicines, guns, plastic bags, sharp objects, cords,
outlets, cigarettes, hot liquids, latches on cabinets). Visit our poison safety tips page
at www.YourPediatrician.com.
Purchase a bottle of Activated Charcoal to have on hand in case of ingestion
of a poison.
Obtain your local Poison Control Centers phone number and keep it on hand (you can
obtain this from our Web site, www.YourPediatrician.com).
Do not use baby walkers. They are associated with serious injuries. The only acceptable
substitute is a non-moving play station that baby can sit in.
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 | YOUR BABY SHOULD
Babble and coo.
Smile, laugh, and squeal.
Raise his or her head up with a "push-up" motion.
Recognize your voice.
Open hands, hold hands together and hold onto objects.
Have bowel movements at least once every 3 days if formula fed, once every week if breast
fed.
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 | YOU SHOULD
Hold, cuddle and rock baby.
Talk and sing regularly to baby.
Continue to read books to baby.
Encourage your partner to assist in caring for baby.
Develop a bedtime routine.
Spend time alone with your partner - one of the best thing you can do for your baby is to
maintain a quality relationship with your partner.
Spend time alone with your babys sibling(s) to make them know they remain special.
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