Newborns and Toddlers (Birth to 2 years)

Understanding a children’s health is quite difficult during the first two years after a child is born.  Your newborn will eventually mature into a toddler, reaching new dimensions along the way. These years’ parents have packed schedules visiting doctors, medical screenings, vaccines and more. Although parenting a child is more than an overwhelming experience, it is very important to stay alert and well-informed.

Newborn Screening

In general, a newborn baby undergoes a screening to check some rare but serious health risks. This is done to take precautions if a baby is diagnosed with any rare or serious disease and can be treated in time. Mostly screening programs include blood tests, hearing tests and also some states do screening for checking the function of the heart. 

Routine Visits:

According to medical experts, parents must bring their newborns and babies regularly to assure they are doing well. You and your bay will likely be seeing a doctor minimum nine times in the first two years for routine checkups. 

Most doctors recommend one or more vaccinations for your newborn during routine checkups. Again this depends on your child’s development. Usually, vaccinations are scheduled at birth, after 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 15 to 18 months and 24 months. Some of the vaccines recommended for infants and toddlers are-

• Hepatitis A & B
•   Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough)
•   Haemophilus influenzae type b
•   Pneumococcal disease
•   Rotavirus
•   Polio
•   Varicella (chickenpox)
•   Measles, mumps, and rubella
•   Seasonal flu vaccine

Breastfeeding and Solid Foods:

While breastfeeding is always the priority, again it has a lot to do with the mother’s health and the baby’s ability. The alternative option is formula feed. If your baby is breastfeeding, he or she should be fed every two to three hours i.e. eight to twelve hours a day.  Babies who are bottle feeding will usually eat every three to four hours during the first few weeks. 

Hearing and Vision:

After your baby turns one week old, he or she should be able to respond to your voice, in whatever gesture possible. Infants with hearing loss normally fail to recognize any familiar voice.   When it comes to examining the eyesight, a baby’s first eye exam happens right in the delivery room. Normally, after two weeks of life, a baby must focus on an object that is 8 to 14 inches away.  By the time a baby turns 3 months, he or she can be easily distracted something it finds interesting.

Baby’s First Dentist Visit:

A Baby will need to see a pediatric dentist before or just after he or she turns one year old.  Dentists in most of the countries suggest bringing their babies after six months for their first tooth poking. Most babies begin cutting teeth after they turn 6 months. These months can be bothering, may cause pain and sensitivity. Dentists have good solutions to ease the teething plain of these toddlers.

Children (3 to 8 years)

For parents, it seems their babies have grown in a blink of an eye. However, after your infant has grown into children the importance of routine check-ups continue. Usually, a primary care doctor may suggest 4-years old to receive a few vaccines including tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (DTaP), measles, chickenpox, mumps, polio, etc. 

Allergies:

Children between the age group of 3 to 8 years mostly develop allergies that can affect the eyes, nose, skin, throat, and lungs. There are seasonal allergies while others can happen anytime if your child comes in contact that causes a reaction. Certain conditions can be caused by allergies. They are-

•   Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
•   Ear Infections

Childhood Bullying and Health Problems

According to many research studies, bullying behavior starts as early as age 3. In this respect both bullied children and those who bully others may get affected by serious health issues that can last for long. Many types of research prove that bullied children have trouble with a lot of things in their adulthood; especially they have trouble with finances. They are not optimistic about their future and also don’t have a good social circle. Other studies prove that bullied children become aggressive, hostile and often develop smoking habits and drug. 

Children Obesity

According to the FDA, childhood obesity is one of the most common health problems that are always prone to risk. According to studies, lifestyle disorders, lack of physical activities, unhealthy food habits are major reasons of childhood obesity. It is increasing with time and needs serious attention. Since date, no medications have been approving to cure childhood obesity and doctors strictly recommend bringing changes in the lifestyles. 

Preteens (9 to 12 years)

Within these years, children come across rapid physical and mental development. Mostly, it is due to puberty that can start as early as at the age of eight or nine years.  Girls begin to develop breast at the age of eight and begin menstruating two years after they begin developing breasts. In boys, genital growth can be witnessed at the age of nine years, they begin to grow body hair and also their voices begin to change. 

Doctor’s Visit:

Older children must see their doctors for routine check-ups at the age of ten, eleven and twelve. Common vaccines are tetanus, the human papillomavirus (HPV), Tdap, HPV, etc. 

Childhood Development Disorders:

When a child is at school, usually then children develop learning disorders. While it is evident from their response and body language, if diagnosed in time, things can be under control. Anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Tourette syndrome are some other examples.

Children’s healthcare and development don’t end here. With every phase, there are new changes, both physical and psychological that has its impact on life. It is always suggested to stay in touch with a doctor and stay aware in case any abnormal signs or symptom is experienced.