|
| Q: Does my baby need flu shots? A: Most pediatricians now recommend flu shots for healthy babies between 6 and 24 months, says Cynthia Black, a pediatrician in Columbus, Ohio. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the same opinion, based in part on study results showing that babies under 2 years of age are hospitalized for flu-related complications at the same rate as elderly people. "I tell my patients that flu shots are a good idea, especially if the child is in daycare or if he has an older sibling who is in school and could bring home an illness," says Black. "The idea is to treat kids in order to keep flu from spreading through the family." Remember, though, that this recommendation can still be considered a matter of personal choice. And because the flu shot situation changes somewhat every year, check with your baby's pediatrician for the latest update when it comes time to make a decision. |
|
Trying to discipline your 8-month-old baby may often seem futile — she's just too young to grasp your "lessons." But there are things you can do now to increase the likelihood that she will develop into a well-behaved child: Accentuate the positive. Don't wait for her to do something wrong — instead, acknowledge her good behavior. Disciplinary action you take later will be more effective if your baby can compare it to the good reaction you give her when she's behaving in a desirable way.
Practice simple discipline. If you think you must discipline your baby — for example, if safety is an issue — try to keep your reaction as simple as possible. Saying "no" gently but firmly and diverting her attention to something else works best. And try not to become discouraged if she repeats her bad behavior. Your persistence will eventually pay off.
Show your love. To a baby, getting what she wants means that she's loved. When she doesn't get her way, it's important to reassure her that you still support and love her by reacting to her distress in a caring, understanding way. Avoid punishment, which your baby is too young to understand.
