(Photo credit CDC 4 month online milestone checklist)
Table of Contents
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DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES
Of note, CRAWLING is not included in the updated developmental milestones and its absence has been quite controversial. I agree with the critics that crawling should be considered an important milestone and typically occurs around 6 months. It is a complex movement pattern that requires strength, coordination, balance, and multi-directional movement. There could be many reasons your child is not crawling including motor delay, hyper-sensitivity, or persistent primitive reflexes. Talk with your child’s pediatrician if you notice a delay in this or any other developmental milestone.
EARLY INTERVENTION (Developmental Delays)
If you are concerned your child may not be meeting the milestones for their age, discuss with your pediatrician to see if your child may need additional support. Contact your local Early Intervention program to have your child evaluated and see what resources may be available to you. Most Early Intervention programs are free and run by the state and/or local governments.
For children ages 3 and over, contact your local school department.
For more information, check out the following:
SOLID FOOD INTRODUCTION
Recommended between 4-6 months when your child has good head and neck control and shows interest in food. Always confirm with your pediatrician for your child’s specific needs.
There are multiple contradicting opinions online on the best way to introduce solids. Your parents and grandparents did things differently back in their day. Every family, culture, country, region, religion, etc. introduces food differently. Therefore, my advice is to keep it simple, and find what works best for you and your family, while following these rules:
RULES
1. Head & Neck Control
2. No Choking Hazards
3. No Honey
Gradually introduce different flavors and textures and offer a variety of foods to your baby. It is also helpful to begin introducing “Allergy” type foods early on which has been proven to reduce food allergies later in life. This includes peanut, egg, and milk in age-appropriate ways.
Below I have included a list of some helpful items, including my favorite resource for introducing solids: SOLID STARTS . Check it out!
SOLID FOOD INTRODUCTION
Solid Starts
Excellent resource and information for introducing solids. Free resources and blog articles available on their blog at solidstarts.com
Access to personalized meal plans, personalized solid food recommendations, and more! with their subscription-based app. Use discount code SOLIDSQNH7W20 or click on link HERE for 20% off. (I do NOT receive any compensation for using this link or discount code.)
Puree Pouches
Other than purchasing from the store, here are some great options for storing homemade baby foods and an easy-to-use pouch.
Constipation Drops
It is very likely your child will get constipated at some point during solid food introduction. Prune puree is a great food to introduce early on to help their stool stay regular.
In addition to prune puree or prune juice, Mommy’s Bliss Constipation Drops are another option to try with one of the key ingredients also being prunes! Be sure to talk with your pediatrician BEFORE using these for your infant to ensure appropriate diagnosis and dosing.
CRANIAL TECHNOLOGIES
Are you concerned about your baby’s head shape?
Plagiocephaly, or head flattening, is a common condition that can occur in babies and is due to a number of different causes including:
– In-utero positioning
– Torticollis (neck muscle tightening)
– Prolonged time on back (swing, carseat, crib, etc.)
In many cases, this can improve with proper evaluation and targeted exercises/tummy time. However, some babies need helmet therapy to correct their head shape. Here are some examples:
Cranial Technologies is my TOP CHOICE when I refer my patients for treatment, and here’s why:
– FREE First Evaluation – Link to Schedule HERE
– Covered by MOST insurances
– Close communication and regular updates sent to your doctor
– Nationwide Clinics
– Custom made, lightweight, and breathable technology
FOR MY PATIENTS IN UTAH
Phone: 801-966-5366
Se habla español (Scott) 385-267-6702
4225 W. Lake Park Blvd., Ste. 225
West Valley City, UT 84120
Vaccine Information Statements (VIS)
Click Here
FEVER & DOSING
DO NOT give Ibuprofen (Motrin) to infants under 6 months of age
DO NOT give Acetaminophen (Tylenol) to infants under 2 months of age
(unless directed by your doctor)
Fever, whether from sickness or after vaccines, does not necessarily need to be treated. If your child is playful, happy, eating, and staying hydrated, you can likely let the fever run its course, but often kids feel uncomfortable and fussy. Medicine should be used to help them feel better, not just to break the fever. Also, if your child is uncomfortable and fussy without a fever, it is still ok to use medicine to help them feel better. Medications most commonly used are Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin).
It’s important to check with your doctor to ensure the fever is properly diagnosed and your child is given the correct dose based on their weight.
See below for a dosing reference guide:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
DO NOT give Acetaminophen to infants under 2 months of age
Acetaminophen DOES NOT cause Autism
Children’s vs Infant Acetaminophen is the SAME doing (160mg/5mL)
.
Ibuprofen (Motrin)
DO NOT give Ibuprofen to infants under 6 months of age
ONLY purchase CHILDREN’s IBUPROFEN (Infant ibuprofen may cause dosing errors)
FAQ’s
TEETHING
This is something probably every parent asks at 4-6 months. While it is certainly possible for teeth to come in this early, tooth eruption usually occurs sometime after 6 months. However, as part of child development is bringing things like their hands, toys, food, etc. to their mouth and is completely normal.
Once you notice actual teeth coming in, here are some excellent items to help with that process:
Grow-With-Me Toothbrush
Great for brushing gums, tongue, and new teeth as they come in. Can also double as a teething toy!
TOOTHPASTE
As soon as you start noticing teeth, the general recommendation is to brush your child’s teeth with a very small amount of Fluoride-containing toothpaste as soon as they start getting teeth. Toothpaste containing Hydroxyapatite and Xylitol are safe alternatives.
Happy Tooth – Hydroxyapatite
Created by a local Utah dentist, Dr. Hanks, this toothpaste is Hydroxyapatite based which is great for babies, toddlers, and kids because it is safe to swallow! I reached out to them and they offered me a discount code for 10% off!
Use code “JOSHMAX” or go directly by going to https://tryhappytooth.com/JOSHMAX
Alternatively, you can purchase on Amazon HERE
Unicorn Sparkle (Bubble Gum) – Fluoride
Fluoride based toothpaste that I typically buy for my kids
Tubby Todd – Xylitol
Xylitol option from a well-known pediatric brand
RaZbaby RaZberry Teether Pacifier
This is a great transition pacifier! Once teeth start coming in, many infants start to chew rather than suck their pacifier, but do not obtain the necessary relief because it is soft. Not to mention, continued use of a pacifier can lead to tooth and palate deformities.
The RaZbaby RaZberry is a great transition teether pacifier that can be used to provide the necessary teething relief AND remove the habit/dependency on a pacifier.
Check out some of their other teether options HERE
Frida Not-Too-Cold-To-Hold Teether
Added by popular demand, these teethers are a perfect little tool for those little teeth! Also a great substitute to eliminate bottles and pacifiers.
Helpful Items
VITAMIN D
Discuss with your healthcare provider to ensure appropriate dosing for your infant, which may be different if your child is breastfeeding or formula feeding.
This is by far my favorite brand to use:
Mommy’s Bliss Vitamin D Drops 400 IU
Easy to use dropper with about 100 doses per bottle. Suspended in Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) which helps with absorption of the Vitamin D
DIAPER RASH
Diaper Creams
It may take some trial and error to find the brand that works best for your baby’s skin, but here are some of the most popular/common brands that I would recommend:
Click on each image for a direct link:
- Desitin Maximum Strength – THE Classic, contains 40% Zinc Oxide
- CeraVe Healing Ointment – Always a HIGH QUALITY brand, with Petrolatum to protect, and Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid to moisturize and heal
- Tubby Todd – EXPENSIVE, but anyone who buys it swears by it
- A&D Ointment – Petrolatum and Lanolin-based
- Boudreaux’s Butt Paste – Well-known classic Zinc Oxide-based cream
- Aquaphor Healing Paste – Non-pasty, Zinc Oxide-based cream
Diaper Cream Brush/Spatula
Sick of getting your hands dirty applying diaper cream? Worry no more with this soft, yet durable, diaper cream spatula made of silicone so it is easy to wipe clean, wash, or sterilize. Once you try it, you’ll never go back!
Baza Cleanse & Protect Spray
Pediatrician recommended and great for sensitive infant bottoms. Helps both to loosen the stool and reduce the smell before wiping, as well as protect the skin after wiping by creating a protective layer. Can be used in addition to other diaper creams.
Active Ingredient: Dimethicone.
Peri Bottle / Portable Bidet / Spray
If your baby’s skin is very irritated, wiping can sometimes make it WORSE. In those cases, washing with water to reduce wiping can really help their irritated skin.
Nasal Saline
Your go-to for everything! Not just for times when sick, but for dry air, allergies, smoke and pollution, and general hydration of the nasal passageways, and can be used for ALL AGES from infancy to adulthood with a variety of delivery mechanisms. I tested a multiple brands with my kids and wrote all the details in a separate post HERE, but my TOP recommendations are below:
Nose Frida
Sticking with the Fundamentals: Nasal saline and suctioning. I have never personally used a Nose Frida, but everyone swears by them. I always used the classic bulb suction.
CRADLE CAP
Cradle Cap, also known as Seborrheic Dermatitis, is very common in babies and is usually harmless. But when it overgrows it can create thick, greasy, scales on the scalp that can be irritating and itchy. You should also AVOID perfumes, coconut oil, and petrolatum (Vaseline) since these can worsen cradle cap.
Happy Cappy Shampoo
A well-known brand developed by a Pediatrician. This set has the medicated cradle cap shampoo with Pyrithione Zinc and a daily shampoo to use on alternate days
Frida Cradle Cap 3-in-1
Don’t let that cradle cap build up on your baby! While any brush or comb will do the job, Frida is one of the only products that combines all 3 tools into 1. Always innovating!
Frida Baby Nail File
This is my top recommendation for newborns, and so much easier than nail clippers. While any nail file would work, these are easy to use with their S-shape, and just the right grit for sensitive infant nails.
Grow-With-Me Toothbrush
Although infants don’t have teeth, oral care is still important, like brushing their tongue to prevent milk buildup
Finger Glove
I get asked about these often, especially for babies with tongue ties or after a tongue tie repair.
Owlet Dream Sock and Owlet Dream Duo 2
Definitely not for everyone and can sometimes create more anxiety by giving too much information. For others, it can help alleviate anxiety. Of all the similar products on the market, this is the only one I would recommend.
I reached out to Owlet personally and they sent me a free Owlet Duo 2 product to Demo. It is an extremely well-made and high quality product worth considering.
Unboxing Video:
From the manufacturer:
– FDA-Cleared: Intended for healthy infants between 1-18 months, 6-30 lbs.
– Track Live Pulse Rate & Oxygen: View and track your baby’s pulse rate, oxygen, wakings, and sleep trends
– Know When You’re Needed: If your infant’s health readings fall outside the preset ranges, you’ll be notified through lights and sounds on the included Base Station as well as the app.
DISCLAIMER and WARNING: The Owlet Smart Sock is not a medical device. It is not intended for use as a medical device or to replace a medical device. It does not and is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, alleviate or prevent any disease or health condition or investigate, replace or modify anatomy or any physiological process. The notification thresholds on Owlet Smart Sock are not as stringent as a medical monitor.
Social Media Posts
Also check out
@otmarissa for more fantastic educational content
Post-Partum Depression
- Serenity Postpartum Depression Recovery Group
- The Healing Group – Post Partum Support Group AND Men’s Group
- The Emily Effect – Resources for Women
- PSI (Postpartum Support International) Utah Chapter
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Well-Child Guides
Dr. Maxwell’s age-specific guides with developmental milestones, resources, and recommendations
Mental Health
Dr. Maxwell’s Mental Health Resource Page – ADHD, Therapy, Counseling, Depression, Anxiety, LGBTQ+, and more
Disclaimers: The products, resources, and recommendations do NOT constitute medical advice. You should always speak with your doctor or medical provider for recommendations specific to you and/or your child. Links below may include both Amazon Associate and/or other brand-specific affiliate links. I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you!) which allows me to continue to keep this site active and provide honest, thorough, and high quality recommendations for you and your family!
The Pediatrician's Corner 
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