When does my child need to receive his/her immunization?

A current immunization schedule for the State of Utah can be found on the Utah Department of Health Website

Current thoughts on breastfeeding vs. formula?

Both breast milk and infant formula will help your baby grow.
Breast milk provides the best form of nutrition for newborn babies. It provides maternal antibodies that formula does not contain.
However, breast feeding isn't for everyone. Sometimes women have difficulties producing breast milk or getting the infant to latch on correctly. In cases of difficulty, be reassured that formula has been engineered to be as similar to breast milk as possible.

Pediatricians advocate for breast feeding all newborns but we will also help you decide on what formula works best for your infant if breast feeding is not successful.

I have mixed feelings on circumcision. Can you provide information to help me choose?

It is important for you to know that circumcision is neither essential or detrimental to a boy's health. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not find enough evidence to medically recommend circumcision or to argue against it. As a parent you need to choose what is right for your child.

For some families, the choice is simple because it is based on cultural or religious beliefs. But for others, the right option is not so easy. For help in making this decision we suggest looking at the American Academy of Pediatrics web page.

I think my child may have an ear infection but I'm not sure.

Ear infections are difficult to detect without a good otoscope exam. However be suspicious of ear infections in the setting of congestion, cough and fever. Especially be concerned of high fevers (>102.5) or persistent fevers (> 5 days). Also be suspicious of ear infections in the fussy infant that is difficult to console.

My baby and I are struggling with breastfeeding. Can you help?

For Breast-Feeding Success, Follow These Tips
·If you can, breast-feed within an hour after your baby's birth. 
·Put your nipple as far back in your baby's mouth as possible. This will make you more comfortable. 
·Breast-feed your baby regularly and frequently, even as often as every two hours and at least eight times in a 24-hour period. 
·Your baby should have at least 5-10 wet/dirty diapers a day. 
·Don't give your baby sugar water or formula unless your doctor or nurse tells you to do so. Your baby usually will not need extra sugar water or formula. 
·Air dry your nipples to prevent cracking and soreness. 
·Eat a healthy diet. Rest as much as you can. Drink plenty of fluids, including water. 
·Ask for help with other children, housework, and cooking. Your most important job is taking care of your new baby and you. 
·Be patient. It will take time for you and your baby to learn how to breast-feed. 
You can also contact a lactation specialist.

When can I start my child on regular milk (cow milk)?

Cow's Milk is typically introduced at one year of age. Avoiding early introduction reduces chance of milk protein allergy. Some dairies such as yogurts and cheeses can be introduced prior to age one in small amounts. Whole milk is typically recommended for its high calorie content.

When can I start my child on baby food and what should I start with?

At 4-6 months of age rice cereal can be introduced by mixing it to a desired consistency with breast milk, formula, juice, or water. Stage I baby foods can typically started at 6 months of age. Starting one new food every 2-3 days is suggested to avoid and detect any food allergies.

When will my child start teething and what can I do to help?

Teething typically begins at 6 months of age, but can be delayed to as long as 18 months of age. 
To help relieve some of the discomfort your child may be experiencing you can try gentle manual massage of the gums, a good teething ring can help, and OTC analgesics such as Tylenol, Motrin, or teething tablets/oragel.

My child has a rash; what should I do?

Rashes can be caused by a number of reasons. Viruses and allergic reactions are the most common. Contact dermatitis with an irritant is also common. Rashes are very difficult to diagnose without visual inspection. If you are concerned, it is best to have a physician evaluate the condition.

My newborns stools don't look normal.

The first 2-3 days after birth your child's stools will have a black tar like appearance. This is meconium. Following the passage of meconium, stools will become yellow. This is called "transitional" stools. Stools should never be hard in a newborn. This is considered constipation and you should contact your Pediatrician. Often babies will stop having regular stools at 4-6 weeks of life. They will even skip days without stools. This is OK as long as the stools are still soft. The coloration of stool will vary, Pediatrician's worry about bright red blood or black tar-like stools following the passage of meconium.