Imunization And Your Baby's First Illness

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Imunization And Your Baby's
First Illness

Without doubt, making sure that your baby has the correct immunizations is very
important. She will be given several vaccinations from her birth and these will
continue into her childhood. Since immunization was first introduced it has
saved hundreds of thousands of children's lives. The simple procedure
involves injecting your baby with vaccines, which protect them against serious,
and sometimes fatal, diseases.

The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends that babies receive the following
vaccinations, but remember that this may change over time so please check with
your doctor for the most up to date ones:

Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib)

Inactivated polio (IPV)

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP)

Pneumococcal (PCV)

Hepatitis B (HepB)

Influenza (flu)

Varicella (chickenpox)

By giving your child these vaccines you are protecting her for her whole life
against several diseases. Many of the above vaccines protect your baby

against diseases that are particularly prevalent in the early years of a child's
life, while some are for diseases that can occur at any time in life.

The injections are likely to be painful for your baby as they involve getting
in injection via hypodermic needle. However, they're worth it for the
protection your child will receive in the long term.

The diseases these vaccinations protect your baby from are very serious. Babies
may become very ill and even die if they are allowed to develop the diseases
that are prevented by these shots.

Babies are born with some degree of pre-determined natural immunity -
this is acquired in the womb from the mother's blood. This immunity is
further strengthened during breastfeeding (breast milk is rich in antibodies).
However this type of immunity is passive and wears off during the baby's
first year, thus leaving her open to several diseases. This is why vaccines
are so important.

Your doctor or health care clinic will notify you when it is time for your baby's
first shot, which generally occurs at three months.

It's likely that your baby will catch a cold at some point, and this can
understandably an anxious time for parents. It's possible that along with
the cold your baby may develop a fever - symptoms will include a cough,
runny nose/sore throat and watery eyes - she may also display signs of
irritability. A baby that is under 6 years of age is unlikely to be able to
breathe through a stuffed nose - this will mean that even eating may be
a challenge. You can expect a cold to last anywhere from 2 to 10 days old, sometimes
even longer.

Most babies have several colds by the time they reach 2 years of age, and sadly
each one is uncomfortable for the baby and anxious for the parents.

If your baby is under three months old when he gets his cold you should contact
your doctor. If your baby is over three months old you only need to contact
your doctor if the fever gets too high, the cold lasts too long, or you suspect
your baby may have an ear infection, cough, or other secondary problem from
his cold.

Until the cold disappears there are several things that you can do to ease your
baby's discomfort during his cold:

Rest is important, ensure your baby gets as much of it as possible.

Plenty of liquids are needed, especially if a fever is also present.

If the baby is stuffed up elevate her head by putting a pillow or two
under the crib mattress at one end.

Keep your baby comfortable by wiping his runny nose - this will
help him breathe easier.

Lots of love, affection and patience are required at this point.

As worried as you are likely to get, your baby's cold will ultimately
pass.

About the Author

Author is the writer for many sites including Las
Vegas . and Baby Shower Help

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