Vaccination Schedule: What to Expect
Week 6
It’s almost time for your baby’s two-month doctor visit. Vaccines — one of the most important ways to prevent your child from getting some very dangerous diseases — are part of this visit.
Here are the vaccines your child will get and the diseases they protect against: Hepatitis B vaccine guards against hepatitis B virus, which damages the liver. It’s possible, your child may have already received the first vaccine in the series in the hospital.
Getting vaccinated for rotavirusprotects against the most common cause of diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration in babies.
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP) is a combo vaccine that protects against three very serious diseases. Diphtheria swells up the throat, tetanus painfully tightens the muscles, and pertussis (whooping cough) makes it hard for kids to breathe.
Hib vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), a bacteria that causes an infection in the brain and spinal cord that can damage a baby’s brain and hearing.
Pneumococcal vaccine protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, which causes meningitis, pneumonia, and some ear infections.
Polio is a disease that used to paralyze more than 25,000 people each year before the polio vaccine was invented.
If you still have questions, talk to your baby’s doctor about your concerns.Your doctor will provide you with literature about each vaccine that you can review and discuss with the doctor before your baby is vaccinated.
At six weeks, your baby is on the move. She’s discovering all the new things her muscles can do, like:
Kicking her legs
Bringing her hands to her mouth
Lifting her arms above her head
Raising her neck while she’s lying on her tummy
Reaching out for a toy
Help your baby get stronger by playing with her on the floor where she has room to shimmy and wriggle.
Week 6 Tips
Fill a bag with diapers, extra baby clothes, bottles (if you use them), and anything else you might need when you’re out with your baby.
Take your baby for a walk in her stroller. She’ll love the change of scenery, and you’ll get to stretch your legs and burn a few calories.
Start the reading habit. Read her a story every night before bed, and keep it up even when she’s old enough to read to herself.
Skip shoes for now. They can hamper the development of her little feet. Put on a precious pair of booties or socks instead.
Babies must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they’re at least 2 years old.
Your baby’s poop can be different colors. But if it’s white or black or has blood in it, make sure you call your doctor.
Dressing a squirming baby isn’t easy. Place her on a changing table so you can get a better hold on her. Do not leave her unattended on the table.
