Congratulations on the newest addition to the family! Whether you are a first-time or an experienced parent, newborn care is just as important. A baby’s first year is crucial for its correct development. Homero Garza Pediatrics offers Newborn Care in The Heights, Houston, where our expert team is ready to care for and cater to your infant’s needs. Today, we wanted to give you a rundown of the key medical tips to help you navigate your baby’s first year.
Q & A
Choosing your baby’s doctor
Choosing the right doctor is key to having a healthy and happy baby. Some parents choose a family doctor, others choose a pediatrician- an expert in treating newborns, infants, children, and teens. Here are a few tips to bear in mind when choosing your baby’s doctor:
- You can ask family, friends, and coworkers the names of doctors that they recommend. You can also check with your health plan for the list of doctors that they cover.
- Think about where the office is located (For example, Homero Garza Pediatrics is located in The Heights, Houston) and how you will get there, as your baby requires well-child visits often during their first year.
- When visiting for the first time, write out a list of questions. Talking to the doctor will give you a better sense of whether they are a good match for you and your baby. After the visit, ask yourself “Does this doctor listen and answer questions? Do I trust and like this doctor?”
Feeding your baby
Whether the mom has chosen to breastfeed or to use formula, both options are healthy for the baby. Some moms decide not to breastfeed, others are unable to do so and some moms give a mix of breastmilk and formula. If you are one of those moms, do not feel guilty. Here at HG Pediatrics, we respect your decision.
Did you know? By the end of their first year, babies triple their birth weight. This means that your little 7-pound newborn will likely be over 20 pounds by age 1! With all that growing due, your baby needs a healthy diet.
Immunization
The most important thing you can do to ensure your baby’s health is to vaccinate them. Vaccines work, are safe and they have helped children stay healthy for more than 50 years. Vaccines protect children against polio, measles, mumps, chicken pox, flu, and other serious illnesses. Children who don’t get their needed vaccines are at a greater risk of getting and spreading these diseases or even dying.
Children get most of their vaccines during their first year of life because the diseases they prevent are the most harmful in very young children.
We’ve gathered a list of the vaccines your children must have up until they are one year old, what they protect them from, and when they should get them:
- Hepatitis B: Protects against serious diseases of the liver
At birth, 1 through 2 months and 6 through 18 months. - Rotavirus: Protects against the most common cause of diarrhea and
vomiting in infants.
2 months, 4 months, 6 months. - DtaP: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough)
2 months, 4 months, 6 months. - Hib: Protects against Haemophilus influenza type b (a major cause of spinal meningitis)
2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 through 15 months. - IPV (Inactivated Polio): Protects against crippling polio
2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months. - MMR: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles) 12 through 15 months.
- Varicella: Protects against chickenpox and its many complications, including flesh-eating strep, staph toxic shock, and encephalitis.
12 through 15 months. - Hepatitis A (2 doses): Protects against serious diseases of the liver.
1st dose at 12–23 months. - Pneumococcal: Protects against bacterial meningitis and blood infections.
2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 through 15 months. - Influenza: Protects against the flu.
6 months through 18 years.
When should I start giving solids to my baby?
The majority of babies are ready to start eating solid food around 4-6 months of age. By this time, your baby can hold their head up and sit up. Additionally, they need to increase their calorie intake.
You can try feeding your baby during family meals, so they can see how big people eat. Conversely, if your baby gets easily distracted, try feeding them during quiet periods.
Don’t know what to start feeding your baby? Here are a couple of great options:
- Infant cereal (oat, barley, multi-grain)
- Fruits and vegetables
- Eggs and other types of protein (Meat, fish, chicken)
You can buy jars of baby food or make your own by using a blender or food processor! A storing tip: you can use ice cube trays to freeze the baby food and store it for later use.
It’s important to start with pureed food. After some time, you can move on to soft or semi-chunky food. Do not give your baby any food that involves a lot of chewing until they are older, as it can end up being a choking hazard.
At the same time, be aware of food allergies. We recommend giving your baby just one new food at a time to identify which one your baby is allergic to.
Watch out for the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:
- Vomiting
- Troubled breathing
- Diarrhea
- Rash
If you notice your baby’s developing an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. Remember that at Homero Garza Pediatrics we accept same-day appointments and walks-in, our team of experts in Newborn Care in the Heights, Houston is always ready to help you and your child. You can also contact us to schedule an appointment.
Book an appointment with us today
We Accept Same Day Appointments and Walk-Ins
Accepted Insurances
For your convenience, HG Pediatrics accepts most major
insurance plans (i.e. Medicaid and Commercial Health Plans).
For specific insurance plan inquiries, please contact the office
(832) 709-1110
Dr. Garza is one of the best doctors that I´ve ever met; he is always super helpful. I recommend him for all kids of all ages.
Ernesto Pereda
Dr Garza is amazing. I really am pleased to have my children cared for by him. Thanks dr Garza
Elizabeth Martinez
Great service. Always answer my questions and attend to any of my concerns. No long wait and wonderful experience every time.
Jazzy Lockett
Excelente pediatrician.He always answered all my questions and take really good care of my daughter health. HE'S THE BEST !
Tatiana Rivera