Pediatricians? Do you take there advice with a grain of salt or as the Holy Bible?

Valerie - posted on 04/24/2010

hi my daughter was 9.8 pounds when she was born and she was always above average with her height and weight and some people don't understand that because of their weight they need more sustanance. I used to breast feed my little girl but she wouldn't stop crying afterwards so i fed her an extra bottle of formula milk and she was happy. Every child is different. I fed her solids being rice cereal at 5 months old the milk was just not sustaining her enough. I don't listen to everything the pead's says i listen but do what helps my daughter and if she is in pain from teething i give her the pain killers. The best you can do is what makes your little one happy. Tell your dr not to put on that particular bandaid and use cotton wool and the soft paper sticky tape and then see what happens. I am betting on the reaction from the injection but dr's will never admit the injection has caused it cause they get paid to promote immunising your children. Read about the injections and their ingredients and about what they do before you decide to give it or not just so you can be informed. Just do the best for your child and what makes them happy and healthy. You know what to do to keep your baby happy so listen to your instinct.

Leanne - posted on 04/23/2010

Hi there! This is my first post... :) My name is Leanne. Presently I am a student, getting ready to start nursing school in the fall. I worked as a prechool teacher/aid in my former life (hahaha) however, the best, most rewarding to thing I've been is Mommy to Luke is 6.5 and Paige is almost 3.5.

Ok all in all, I don't think it wouldn't be a bad thing to research/interview other pediatricians. Your pedi sounds okay, but not wonderful. When he addressed your concerns, he should have given you the medical explanations behind his answers.

Great Reference for parents! ANYTHING you'd EVER want to know...and then some! (American Academy of Pediactrics)
http://www.aap.org/

(SOLIDS)
Breast milk/formula is and should be your baby's primary source of nourishment until the age of 12 months and should be baby's primary food until 6 months of age. If you do begin to feed your baby solids, only do so AFTER a feeding.
For Example: (if baby normally) has 6oz per feeding...give baby feeding of 4-5oz.....THEN give nany solids...you can use the extra ounces (1-2 oz) to mix w/ rice cereal or give to baby in training sippy cup.

WHY WAIT? (1) baby's intestines/digestive system need to mature
(2) Tongue Thrust Reflux
(3) baby has immature swallowing mechasism
(4) baby hasn't yet developed "signs" of fullness....he won't yet be able to turn his head away when he's had enough. this can lead to over eating.
(5) introduction solids too early and introducing new solids too early can lead to food allergies. (GLUTEN...is rice crereal, oatmeal etc. and in ALMOST ALL jared baby food, unless otherwise stated)
(6) potential link with diabetes
DIABETES
Studies show that introducing solid food too soon induces the production of antibodies that destroy insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Starting solid food after 7 months might also might overload infants' still-developing immune systems. (AAP)

(MEDS)
These teething tablet work like a charm! My local Safeway and Walmart carry them. Hylands Homeopathic Teething Tablets
http://www.hylands.com/products/teething...

(RASH)
Here is the direct link the the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (vaccines side-effects). Hope this helps.

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side...

Tina - posted on 04/23/2010

My baby weights 19 at 4/ 1/2 month, but she was 8 pounds 8.6 oz. at birth. She has been eating rice cereal and bananas at 3 month. I now feed her carrots. Everything I have read or talked with they have said, you can start to introduce sold food at 4 month. I was told the best way to start them on sold is start with rice cereal once a day about 4 tbl spoon,then if they are doing fine with that you can up that amount. My baby eats whole thing of bananas and carrots she is doing just fine. It is up to you. You know your baby better than anyone.

Candice - posted on 04/23/2010

I would get a different dr. Teething can give them headaches, so if he is obviously in pain, then give him Tylenol (Motrin is supposed to be saved till they're older). Just make sure you're dosing properly and not too often (which is probably the real concern.)

That said, it doesn't sound like your Ped respects your knowledge of your own child as his mother.

Trisha - posted on 04/23/2010

Graddaughter stopped breathing 2 wks old in hospital 4 days came home with montiar to alert if stop breathing

Sarah - posted on 04/23/2010

trust your instinct, and remember they are human, and they make mistakes. My doctor told me i had a 10% chance of giving birth to a normal child, that she would die in utero, and have a chromosomal disorder (based on a very early ultrasound reading @ 11 weeks in utero. ). they urged me to think of terminating, and couldnt gaurantee she would have any quality of life. In July of 2008, i gave birth to a healthy 8 lb baby girl who gorgeous, smart, and very very advanced for her age(walked @ 9 months!) I trusted my instinct..something told me they were wrong..AND THEY WERE!!!!! Mother Nature blessed us with an incredible insight. Use her blessing.

Colleen - posted on 04/23/2010

First of all sleeping through the night has nothing to do with what they are eating. My son (who is now almost 16 months) eats VERY well and *still* wakes during the night to BF. And second, it is very possible that your baby is allergic/sensitive to the 'band-aids'...babies skin is sensitive to begin with...why do you think "they" tell us to wash their clothes and items with fragrance free washing soap? I don't mean to sound crass just trying to get my point across. But if you are second guessing your ped listen to your gut...you'll know what to do. ;o)

Lenea - posted on 04/23/2010

Follow your Mommy instincts. Your peditrician should be respected for her schooling, but you know your own child better that anyone else.

If your son is hungry, feed him. All of my babies started on rice cereal before 2 months, because they weren't getting full on just formula. They went from wanting to eat every 90 minutes, to 3 hours between feedings.

Tylenol is fine if really needed. Some babies have a hard time with teething, and needs occasional relief.



Yes, allergies to the adhesives on bandaids can definately be a problem, but most people I know of didn't develop it until later in life. (I was 35 when mine developed.)

You might try different brands of bandages, and then take your own with you next time.

Cortisone crean on the rash might help.



If you don't feel confident about your pediatrician, find one you trust.

Mandee - posted on 04/23/2010

Grain of salt... there are somethings a Ped says that are golden and others that I take as a suggestion...

Tambra - posted on 04/23/2010

grain of salt!grain of salt! 10 yrs ago the advice was to start solid food at 4-6 mos. I started mine at 4 mos. They were ready. All 3 of my kids were drinking at least 32 oz. of formula a day. They needed to move on. They were ready for solid food. worked out wonderfully, no food allergies of any kind. Motrin or Tylenol is fine for teething.

Mary - posted on 04/23/2010

Hylands makes a great teething remedy. Homeopathic and works. find at whole Foods or health food store.
As far as food if he reaches for it then I would start. They know best what they need.
Sleep, that is something I have seen very few 4 month old babies all night. Try keeping him up during the evening with activities.... bath, massage, etc.

Tricia - posted on 04/23/2010

You should never let your baby lay in bed with you because 1. you will never get them out and 2. if you fall asleep you can roll on them!!!

Heidi - posted on 04/23/2010

If your baby is hungry then give him some food but mash it up in a blender so it is runny like cook your own food up like potatoes,peas and whatever you eat just blend it up with his milk and that should keep him from getting hungry if you think he needs more then his bottle or breast feeding. The other thing about the rush that shouldn't happen sounds like he is allege to the stuff or the needle. You can give him Panadol for his teeth because its from 1 month to 5 years just ask for the baby Panadol hope this is a help to you.

Kristina - posted on 04/23/2010

For one, I just had my first child and by no means I am no expert. I feed my 7 week old daughter baby foods like pears,apricots and sweet potatoes as well as baby cereal. When I told my ped. about this she said she seen no problem with it if my baby wasn't getting full off of just formula and breastmilk. The first doc. I talked to about this said not to give her cereal or baby food b/c it will constpate her however she has NO problem going. I believe that if your baby is hungry FEED them what you can to fill their little tummies. Now she don't sleep through the night but she don't stay up all night either. She sleeps pretty good at only 7 weeks old. When she does get up at night it's for short periods of time.

I believe as a parent its up to your discrestion on whether or not to give your baby tylenol or mortrin when they are teething. I don't take OTC unless I have a really bad headache but that's my choice. I would say that if you feel your baby is in too much pain do what you think you need to. Go with your motherly instincts. I'm sure that whyen we get to that point I will do the same.

The best advice I got when I had my daughter was "Don't always listen to your pediatrician". If your baby is hungry feed him, if he's in too much pain soothe him the best way you feel comfortable with. My daughter seems to sleep better now that I have her in a routine too. It may be something you do or would want to try. We are home every night by at least 6PM, she gets a bath at 8 and usually goes to bed about 9:30 or 10. I hope this helps. And please again I am not an expert, we are learning as we go. This is just what works for me. God bless ang good luck

Cindy - posted on 04/23/2010

Some of it I take serious and some of it I just use my motherly instinct.

Heidi - posted on 04/23/2010

If your baby is hungry then give him some food but mash it up in a blender so it is runny like cook your own food up like potatoes,peas and whatever you eat just blend it up with his milk and that should keep him from getting hungry if you think he needs more then his bottle or breast feeding. The other thing about the rush that shouldn't happen sounds like he is allege to the stuff or the needle. You can give him Panadol for his teeth because its from 1 month to 5 years just ask for the baby Panadol hope this is a help to you.

Mo - posted on 04/23/2010

as a mum ot f 9 ranging from 18- 2 yrs i would say as there always changing there minds about went to give solids i would say if baby isnt sleeping then he/she is hungry start weaning on to solids start with baby rusk which u use the milk with first try for a week an c if theres a diffrence dont introduce anything else till uve checked he/she not allergic to them then theres a whole range of foods you could try just one at a time though, and for teething try some bonjela on the babys gums but it may b the teething being the reason there not sleeping ,also try putting your baby in bed with you for a couple of nights and c if that helps as this can be reassuring for baby and you could get some sleep , and immunasations is your choice the only time anyone can cause any trouble is if something happened to the child because they havent had it done , it doesnt stop children getting the chicken pox etc.. just tries to create it to prevent it babies build up a natural immunity , its upto you as you now your baby best let me now how you get on hope it goes well , dont tell the peadatrians /health visitors your weaning him just do it,x

Tricia - posted on 04/23/2010

Well if it makes you feel any better, I am a mother of 4 and am on my 4th pediatrician. I will tell you though that you can give your baby cereal at 3months old. Also, I formula fed all of my kids and i didn't learn till the 4th on how to help my baby sleep through the night. I have shared this with everyone I know and at 3 weeks my baby was sleeping through the night. I fed my baby every 3 hours to the clock during the day ( even if I had to wake him in the day) then after 11pm I would let him wake me. first 2 weeks he awoke at 4am then after week 3 he didn't wake till 7 or 8am on his own. The trick is that a baby only needs a certain amount of ounces in 24 hours. If he gets most of it during the day then he won't constantly wake up at night. As for Motrin and Tylenol,,,, Motrin is not given to babies under 6 months. Tylenol should be given after immunizations to prevent fever or irritability. Yes, it is true that bandaids can cause a rash because baby's skin is so sensitive. I would not go with your insticts as many mother's have told you....I would get a second or third opinion from other pediatricians. Remember they are trained professionals!! You may not always agree with what your hearing, but taking the health of your child into your own hands when you are not trained can cause serious harm to your baby and i'm not sure any mother giving you advise would want that!!!! As stated earlier you are free to change Dr.'s as many times as you like in your child's lifetime. Sometimes Dr.'s may take the conservitive approach and some the fast and furious approach. I think it's a matter of each individual and what they are looking for in a pediatrician!!!!

Angela - posted on 04/23/2010

I would place a bandage on his leg and see if it reacts. If it doesn't then he may be having an allergic reaction to the vaccines and I would see what the alternatives are. Don't let a Dr. or nurse belittle you or blow you off. ANY concerns you have about your child are valid and need to be addressed by your Dr.

Mary - posted on 04/23/2010

Just a P.S. to my earlier comment about my doc recommending slowly integrating cereal....

He also repeated that it is best to wait 'til 6 mos. for solid foods since baby's digestive system may not be fully developed enough for solid food. He also added a "However" to that. Babies develop different rates, some a little earlier than others and the recommendations are guidelines and not written in stone. He assured me that since I'm the one who is with the baby the most and knows my babies habits best, I would be the better judge of whether or not my baby was ready for adding cereals. He still did not recommend any solid foods, other than cereal 'til 6 mos; but felt that cereal could be well tolerated if introduced slowly & gradually.

I followed his advice exactly & my daughter did well. Then when my son's appetite got too big for just a bottle, I did it again--no problem w/him either.

A - posted on 04/23/2010

Maybe you could start your son on rice cereal, maybe in his bedtime bottle, and see how he likes it and see if it helps him sleep through the night. He seems like he's growing and getting the nutrition he needs according to his weight. You don't want to cause weight problems for him later by feeding him too much. Idk if that's true or not, but I've heard it a lot. I didn't start my daughter on baby food until she was 6 months old and she's slept through the night since she was 2 and a 1/2 months old. I did give her rice cereal at 5 months.



Idk, but if your child is in pain and you feel that he needs tylenol to help with that then do what you feel is best just make sure you are waiting 4-6 hours and you give him the right amounts and not too much.



With the Bandaid thing I've heard that people can be allergice to them. Ask the nurse giving the shots to put medical tape instead of a bandaid or nothing at all.



If you aren't comfortable with your ped then I suggest you change and find one that is suitable for your child and you are comfortable with.

Mary - posted on 04/23/2010

My very 1st peditrician for my daughter turned out to be recommending unecessary tests, I believe she was "padding the bill" since I was one of just a few of her patients that were fully insured. However, I did not realize it until I moved & had to get a new ped. My kid's 2nd ped. was very militant in her advice. Her advice was sound but her "one extreme or the other, black & white point of view" just wasn't working for me & my baby. (your description of your ped reminds me of her) I was having similar problems with my daughter. (She destroyed every teething ring I gave her, chewed them to pieces!) After many sleepless nights & watching my daughter's gums bleed & chew on her arms 'til they bled, I'd finally had enough and went & got a 2nd opinion. 2nd opinion doc was great, said motrin once in awhile (not daily) was okay if teething was making baby sick, feverish or unable to sleep for hours. He recommended putting a damp, soft cloth in the freezer until slightly stiff & then let baby chew on it. That advice helped somewhat. Unfortunately, this doc could only agree to the 2nd opinion consultation as he had a full patient load & wasn't taking any new ones.

Also some great advice I got on the teething...another mom suggested I try Hyland's homeopathic teething tablets. They dissolve under baby's tongue. (I asked my ped. at the time -ped.#2- about them & she said she was not familiar with the homeopathic teething tablets, but admitted she saw nothing in the ingredient list that would harm the baby.) These worked beautifully for both my babies.

Even though allergies to immunizations are rare, I'd suggest you get a 2nd opinion on the immunization allergy-just in case. You may want to write down which shots gave the worst rashes, how soon they appeared. And if baby had any other symptoms of allergies at that time.

What I wound up doing with the feeding, suggested by the ped. I have now, is adding cereal to the bedtime bottle. He recommended starting with rice cereal b/c it is gentler on baby's digestion and least likely to cause allergic reaction. He then said that after I was sure that the baby was tolerating the cereal bottle at bedtime. I could gradually start giving one in the morning & one at noon. If the baby's appetite exceeds those, starting giving straight rice cereal from a bowl & spoon at breakfast, then lunch & dinner as it becomes necessary. Once baby is eating bowls of rice cereal 3x a day, then start introducing other grain cereals (oats, barley, etc.) one at a time waiting at least a week between each new introduction to make sure there is no allergy reaction.

With my 1st ped. my gut kept telling me that some of the tests/labs seemed like over-kill, but I was a 1st time mom & I was afraid not to follow her advice. Then ped. #2 literally yelled at me for putting my tiny baby through those unecessary, painful tests. (She literally made me cry! I burst into tears right there in the office.) Ped. #3 was the ped. on call at the hospital when my son was born & he was the one who discovered that he had a heart murmur. He stayed at the hospital until after midnight w/my baby waiting for a portable pediatric ekg machine to be brought to the hospital (there is 1 machine that serves all the area hospitals) so that test could be done, then he stayed while the tech did the ekg & waited for the pathologist to give the results. He could have easily gone home at last rounds & got the results when he did his rounds next morning, but he stayed with my little guy instead. He offered to take my baby & my daughter on as patients and he made an appoinment with a pediatric cardiologist (one that he knew personally & trusted) at the a children's hospital. This is the ped. I take my kids to now. I've never had those gut-feeling misgivings since my kids starting seeing him.

My husband works at the hospital now where my boy was born (he's an LVN on the gen.med/surg. floor) and tells me that our ped. gives that same kind of attention to all his little patients who have to be hospitalized. I don't get those nagging doubts with this doc. My best advice is get a 2nd opinion and don't be afraid to continue to look for a ped. that you're comfortable with.

Susan - posted on 04/23/2010

I had to change Doc many times ! If need to change Doc s ask locally and get recommendations P.S. try the band aid on another part and see what happens

Melanie - posted on 04/23/2010

if your not sure ask others who have the same pediatrician or ask what theirs is like. I have a fantastic one who I trust implicitly although you still have to weigh their advice against your own gut feelings for a situation. But I would always take his advice into consideration when making a big decision concerning my daughters development or health.

Monica - posted on 04/23/2010

Mom, you are doing great. I have 5 wonderful children. All started some solids a little at a time by 4 months when bottles just didn't seem to cut it anymore. Teething challenges, during the day I use freezies (just white ones) and teething rings or give them a tough Farley biscuit to chew on. Messy but it does the trick. Motrin is the best for litte ones when teething and I would give it to them before bed to ensure everyone got a good nights rest. Tired Mommy means you have even more trouble being able to deal with the joys and challenges of two little people who need you to be at your best.
Allergic to band aids? um...sounds crazy and never have any of my kids suffered any kind of reaction from immunization. They might get a little cranky but that was about it. Never did they get a rash that lasted two weeks. I think I would be on the look out for a different doctor. I am sure they are very good but if they are not putting your mind at ease they are not the right doctor for you. One of my daughters what 25 lbs by 4 months. She needed cereal because she was really hungry.
Keep up the good work and enjoy.
Cheers

Amanda - posted on 04/23/2010

hi mindy,

I am a mum of four my eldest is 19 yrs and my youngest 2 and a half yrs i started giving my children baby rusk from 4 months and this hasn't harmed them in anyway i believe you know yourself when it is the right time as i did with my children ,i wouldn't know about the band-aid as mine always had a cotton swab with medical tape or nothing at all but with most immunisations you can get a bit of swelling and redness, i dont know where you live but thats how alot of parents do things over here in the u.k i hope this helps.

Millissa - posted on 04/23/2010

Mindy,

I have been in you position. With my second child I switch to a pediatrician. I left that office crying more than I never did when I was a new mom with my first child. My best advice trust your mommy inner voice. Being a nurse the reason why no more tylenol or motrin is because too many people do not read the labels of medications and give too much acetaminophen products. I will be truthful I still use both, even when my kids were small. Just keep track of the timing of the medication and how much. I usually saved the medicine for bed times. The immunization issues and hives around the injection site. My youngest had the same problem and still does with bandaids. Take the bandiad off as soon as the bleeding stops and apply cool washcloth to the area. Witch hazel on a washcloth works also. If it was a true reaction the poor child would end up with hives all over the body. If you do not feel comfortable with the provider change to one that you do. After two incidents with both children I finally changed and I love the provider I have now. He believes what I saw especially is my youngest does not have the normal signs when she becomes ill. WHen I leave the office now I feel comfortable and relieved.

Jenny - posted on 04/23/2010

I think you should look for a new doctor. Doctor's give advice, not orders. You are the mommy and you get the final say. My daughter is 3 months old and 15 pounds now (9lbs 3 oz at birth) and breast milk just isn't enough for her. I'm making enough milk, but the poor thing just gets tired of sucking. Our doc said that it is okay to start her on cereal early. We give it to her mixed with bm and on a spoon, she seems to enjoy it so far.

You have to do what you think is right for your baby. You are with him all the time and you know what he wants and needs. Try him on some cereal if he doesn't like it, then at least you know. My nephew is 5 months old and he's been on cereal and baby food for months, he definitely shouldn't have been as he was only 4 pounds at birth but his mother isn't very bright, my point though is that he's doing fine.

My doc ok'd tylenol for my daughter at her 2 month visit when she got her shots. It's not advisable to give it to them regularly, but this is the first time I've heard of a doc saying not to give it while teething. I know motrin isn't good for them and tylenol isn't perfect, but you can't just watch your baby suffer.

It is possible to be allergic to adhesives, many people are. I would ask them to not put a bandaid on and see what happens...or see if you can find a hypo allergenic alternative and bring it with you too see if that makes a difference. Any place that sells band aids should have a sensitive skin product or hypo allergenic alternative.

But, I would really think about changing doctors. Call around and set up a couple parent interviews then ask the doctors about their views of things and see if it's worth the switch.

Good luck to you and your little one :-)

Kelly - posted on 04/23/2010

The band-aid thing is easy to check out. Just put one on him, maybe his back where he can't reach it too pull it off. Leave it 24-48 hours, then remove and see if a rash has developed or develops soon.



I never took my pediatrician's word as law. I gave his/her recommendations serious thought, because they do have more health training than I do, but if something doesn't click right with me, I'll check out a second opinion (my mom is an RN, talk to the pharmacist, check with general practitioner, look on WebMD.com).



Only my daughter started cereal before she was 6 months old. She's 14yo now and still doesn't sleep through the night! Cereal might help him sleep through the night, might not.



As for the Tylenol/Motrin for teething: if my child is cranky due to pain, won't sleep or take a bottle due to pain, and is really miserable, I'm giving him Tylenol or Ibuprofen to help him out - no matter what the dr. says.

Beth - posted on 04/23/2010

As a person wifh latex allergies, I can tell you that if I don't use a latex-free bandage, I will have a bad rash for weeks on end. It's awful and is probably what's going on with your baby.



That being said, if you are uncomfortable with your pediatrician, it's imperative that you find a new one. You need to be able to trust them with your child's life so you must be comfortable with their advice and recommendations. Be aware, however, that the other pediatricians you speak with may say exactly the same thing as your current one. They may explain it better and have better bedside manner, thereby putting you at ease, and that may help alleviate your fears. If you do get contradictory advice, be sure to let them know what this pediatrician says; there may be something one or the other has overlooked. You want to do what is best for your child and you should.

Shameem - posted on 04/23/2010

well for me...my paed is an absolute God send...he gives me all the facts, pro's and con's...gives me his recommendations as well as statistics...I like this then he asks me how would you like to proceed..........get another paed...

Marcia - posted on 04/23/2010

Personally I believe that if you're paying an expert then you should listen to the expert.



That said, if something sounds off base, I go get a second opinion. In this case, it all sounds fine to me.



there's too much emphasis on "your child should be doing this and that" and .......... each child is unique so don't panic about the not sleeping. Mine are 9 months and still don't sleep through.

Katinka - posted on 04/23/2010

This is a great article on why it is best to delay solids until at least six months. A lot of research has been done that now links allergies to babies being given solids too early. All the major agencies, including The American Academy of Pediatrics, are now recommending that you wait. http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids...

Katinka - posted on 04/23/2010

Please be aware that even the Mayo clinic states that your pediatrician should be made aware of the fact that your child took ibuprofin before a vaccination. When we inject a baby or toddler with a cocktail of chemicals and additives, while also bombarding their immune systems, their bodies will naturally respond with a fever. This is the body's way of fighting back against an invasive procedure.
Please, if you do vaccinate, spread them out, insist on no mercury (although "trace" amounts remain) and be careful about giving your baby medication on the same day. I would say, do not give it on the same day, but I am a chiropractor, not a medical doctor, and therefor can't.
My 21 month old son has never been vaccinated, and the worst thing he has ever had was a runny nose for two days. I do not think there is anything logical about the heavy immunization schedule that is growing every year. Where does it end? Please look at www.thinktwice.com

Katinka - posted on 04/23/2010

Please be aware that even the Mayo clinic states that your pediatrician should be made aware of the fact that your child took ibuprofin before a vaccination. When we inject a baby or toddler with a cocktail of chemicals and additives, while also bombarding their immune systems, their bodies will naturally respond with a fever. This is the body's way of fighting back against an invasive procedure.
Please, if you do vaccinate, spread them out, insist on no mercury (although "trace" amounts remain) and be careful about giving your baby medication on the same day. I would say, do not give it on the same day, but I am a chiropractor, not a medical doctor, and therefor can't.
My 21 month old son has never been vaccinated, and the worst thing he has ever had was a runny nose for two days. I do not think there is anything logical about the heavy immunization schedule that is growing every year. Where does it end? Please look at www.thinktwice.com

Amanda - posted on 04/23/2010

Remember to trust your instincts as a mother. If you don't feel comfortable with your child's doctor, ask friends, family, colleagues, etc. to recommend someone else. I think it's very important to have a good rapport with you child's doctor, so if you don't it may be time to switch.

Katie - posted on 04/23/2010

go with your instinct like a few of the other moms said, i had 4 big babies and i started them on solids around 3 months, and all but one of them handle it well, the one that didn't i tried again at 5 months and it worked out fine. As for the medicine i gave all of them some when they were teething but it just depends if your baby is cranky when he or she is theething, do what works best for you and your baby. as for the doc, if you are have any doubts find another one, it is always best to have a second opinion, good luck.

Tracy - posted on 04/23/2010

No, you should not take the pediatricians advice....I have a grandson that had a stroke at 3 days old...16hrs after he was vaccinated with the hepb vaccine. Our doctors denied that his condition had anything to do with his vaccine...rashes are prominate with vaccines and doctors refuse to admit it...However, everything from arterial venious malformation to gene deffects have been ruled out...by the way specialist agree more likely than not the vaccine was the problem...even after we suspected this and the baby came due for more vaccines and we refussed they fired us as patients our poor little man that had a stroke had no pediatrician for over 2 months...do they care about the children or is it all about the money? I question that NOW because, i tend to think its about the money...

Lorraine - posted on 04/23/2010

As with most things, advice goes through phases. The Ped's also take their information from current research and recommendations from other bodies.

Recent trend says you shouldn't give food until 6 months. when I had my first child it had just changed from 12 weeks to 4 months???? by the time I had my fourth they were heading towards 6 months. In Canada they leave them to nearer a year before serious weaning. If you have no allergys, your baby has no eating/digestive problems you could talk to your health visitor or even GP about bringing it forward a week or 2 if he is really hungry. If they say ok, You should then only give baby rice and then really mild vegtables until after the 6 month dead line. Only once a day, and a small amount late afternoon when really hungry.



Dentists suggest that we do not use any teething items on children under 6 months. The problem with later weaning is the baby does not get given things to chew, which really help. Once weaning, give cold carrot sticks. Cold metal tea spoon. You can also buy rings that go in the fridge until then. Only if they are really distressed should you consider using anything, then ask for a white natural powder that goes on the gum and just use for night times.



Not sure about the rash, its possibly the chemical they use to wipe the leg or could be the plaster, although 2 weeks seems along time. Get a similar plaster and put it on his arm, see if it reacts, if not get a second opinion. I react to plasters, as do my children although it usually has gone before 2 weeks.

Autumn - posted on 04/23/2010

Hey mindy my 2 year old son is the same way. Every time he would get a shot his whole body will break out in bumps and feel like sand paper. I think vaccines are good, but I have them spaced out. When we were kids we had a total of 10 shots now our kids are getting 5 shots in one, which is a lot for such a little body. If your not happy with your pediatrician, it would be in your best interest to find a new one. If you feel like she isn't listening to your concerns you need a new one. Your childs health is the most important thing :-). I gave my son tylenol and motrin, but I ask my ped's doctor how much. I have an awesome doctor. Yeah, I guess plastic teether is okay as long as it BPA free I gave my son the baby cereal at 4 months and he was okay. I hope a little of this help and good luck :-)

Beccie - posted on 04/23/2010

My son is six months now but at four weeks old i had to put him on formula cause i wasn't producing enough breast milk. i started him on solids at four months because he was having 9oz feeds of hungry baby formula every four hours and still crying for more even though his stomach couldn't take any more food. He now has two solid meals with a drink and two liquid meals a day. He was sleeping through the night from about six weeks old. As to the teething there is child bonjella that i use to help sooth him every now and then. The rash sounds a bit questionable to me but the immunizations are important as he is not longer protected by breast milk at 6 months. Your pediatrician sounds like she is trying to give you the best advice available to her but as others have said you know your child best. Does he stare at you when you're eating and try to copy your month movements? Does he grab for any food you're holding? Does he cry while you're eating? These are also signs that he's ready for food. Just remember you are his mother and that means you know whats best for him.

Donna - posted on 04/23/2010

I'm glad to see someone who questions, you know your baby better than anyone. The bandaid thing can be true, tell them to not use one next time,they can use something else. If it doesn't happen, problem solved. If it does-GET A SECOND OPPINION. On the teething,don't mean to offend anyone, but God(or whatever you believe) made the human baby's body to go through the teething process without drugs-they are really ok. The ring or hard bagal (my son loved it) work great! And finally, Doctors disagree on when to start babies on food. At 4 1/2 months you need to be careful,but I'd check out giving him a small amount of infant rice cereal. (It's one of the easiest to digest) Hope this helps!

Michelle - posted on 04/23/2010

some paediatricians u can trust, but sounds like urs is being very oveer courtious, my son was also a big boy at that age, but he was on solids by the age of almost 4months n my healthvisitor advised that, didnt do him any harm, he is now 11yrs old, 7 stone 7 and 5ft 3, with size 8 mens feet, he had bongela when teething and u can also get a wonderful invention called astons and parsons, u should find it in any chemist, it is a sachet of powder which helps to settle the pain for the babys, my son had this with every tooth that he cut, marvelous stuff, told all my friends about it, includin my oldest son for his kids, n they all used it after that. As for ur son beingf allergic to bandaids, some people r, but my son had his shots n that was it, they didnt put bandaids on! hope ive been of some use to ur problems Mindy and good look.

Kelley - posted on 04/23/2010

I will share that my son had all the shots up until 18 months... and suffered from rashes, ear infections, food allergies, hyper-sensory, and developmental problems.
My nephew dropped into a coma after his 3-mo MMR and ended up with autism, allergies and asthma.
WE STOPPED VACCINES IMMEDIATELY
My daughter has NEVER HAD ONE VACCINE and is the most healthy child in the entire family. Zero problems! In fact, her immune system is so powerful that I've seen her fight off a virus in less than 3 HOURS.
My son, to this day, still has a weak immune system and his viruses last sometimes for months. He eventually overcame the allergies. As soon as we went to "all natural" prevention and treatment... is other issues vastly improved!
Pediatricians DO NOT always know what is best.

Kelley - posted on 04/23/2010

Remember that doctors are trained in "sickness"... not necessarily "wellness". I went against my pediatrician's advice quite often because it did not fit with "wellness"... or it did not make sense. Your "gut instinct" is 99.9% RIGHT!!! Your child is depending on YOU to do what is best for him. Research and question EVERYTHING. [Especially vaccines... they can be deadly!] My pediatrician is a family member... and I trust her... but she still "thinks like a doctor". I did what was best for my child and tossed out prescriptions all the time. If you feel funny about your pediatrician... get a different one! Try a naturopathic physician instead. Rely on common sense and your instinct.
Absolutely some Tylenol is okay for teething. Bandaids can certainly cause rashes... but I'd be extremely concerned about any negative reaction to a vaccine. As long as you're breastfeeding your child... you can hold off on vaccines until age two. Check out www.thinktwice.com for vaccine issues. Many vaccines are grown on chicken eggs... there could be an egg allergy developing, which might be causing the rash.
It's okay to wait on the baby food... breastmilk is BEST for the first 6 months... otherwise food allergies are more likely. Every parent wants full sleep at night... but this infancy time is short. He will eventually sleep through the night. Try letting him sleep with you one night... see if he sleeps longer??
Doctors are good for some things... but not everything. Moms and Grandmothers have some of the best instincts!! God made them that way!! Trust your instinct. NO ONE knows your baby like you do. Every child is unique - God made them that way, too! Remember that the body is uniquely designed to heal itself and protect itself. Clearly you are questioning the advice your ped is giving... and that is GREAT! Listen to your gut. Listen to your child (even though he cannot speak... he is telling you when he feels good and when he feels bad).
Cranial Osteopaths are EXCELLENT at addressing sleep issues!! Infant skull plates are movable... and can easily and gently be repositioned to relieve pressure on the brain. (Remember, they moved and squeezed in order to fit through the birth canal!!!) Sometimes it's as easy as one cranial-sacral treatment... and they sleep through the night!
Blessings ~

Melissa - posted on 04/23/2010

my son would get rash all the time with any kind of diapers and so i lotion him up at every changing i firgued that he has sensitive skin and now he always looks good at every changing!!

Corri - posted on 04/23/2010

I am of the mindset that doctors can give wonderful advice and guidelines, but that you have to make the decision of what is best for your own child. Many doctors refuse to go "out of the box", and not every child fits in the box.

Before I say this, I do want to say that my mind set is try to wait until six months to start solids, and only start sooner if totally needed. I started my first at 5 months on solids, because she was acting like she was starving day in and day out no matter how much I nursed. Before giving her solids I did try formula after nursing to make sure it was not just that she was not able to get enough from nursing. This did not help, and she also showed she was ready for it. She would always follow our spoons and forks with her eyes, and grab them at them. She also opened wide the very first time I gave her solids. Doctors say six months because they need a generalized age for all babies, and by six months most are ready. I'd say if your son is showing he is ready for solids in ways other then not sleeping through the night, as that really has little to do with solids, go for it. Do it slowly, and really research what you think is best to give him first would be my advice on that one. Most say rice cereal, but that is very constipating and hard on a digestive system that is used to only milk. I'd recommend avocados, as they rarely cause reactions and are amazing sources of nutrition. Also, if you want him to like veggies, don't give him sweet foods first. This is not true with every child, but many will reject anything that is not sweet if you start with sweet.

As for the meds, I'd say do not give Motrin, because he is not old enough, but if your baby is in serious discomfort from teething, a little Tylenol is NOT going to hurt him.

My youngest has the exact same reaction to bandaids, and that really does sound like what is causing it. If it was the shot itself, it would more likely cause a full body rash, as it goes into the bloodstream and moves around the body very quickly. Like others have said, I'd suggest requesting no bandaids next time and see what happens. Good luck!

Nichole - posted on 04/23/2010

There was so many things that I was told my son's pediatrician and developmental doctor that I seemed to ignore. I only have one but when you have already had one and have another one also, you kind of learn what to do and what not to do when when it comes to certain things. Tyelnol and Motrin are absolutely fine alternating between the two, usually every four hours if needed. As far as your son's weight, I do not think that is an issue. My son aspirated when he was a baby so we had to continuously feed him thickened liquids and couldn't put him on baby food until he was six months, which was stupid but I didn't want anything bad to happen so I listened. He could very well be allergic to the band-aids but a rash that lasts for two weeks, not likely. I would definitely go somewhere else. I think this peditrician is using his/her PHD to get money when the knowledge is not there!!!



GOOD LUCK!

Melissa - posted on 04/23/2010

when my son was born he was 9ibs and 12 oz

Melissa - posted on 04/23/2010

i signed up for baby center on the computer that every week it tells me what to look for and what i should do and one of them said enjoy there rolls on your baby because when they start crawling and moving around it will burn off quick