How’s your growing baby? Is it time for the 2-month well-baby check-up? You might have a lot of questions about your newborn’s health, including how to boost baby immunity, and don’t hesitate! Your pediatrician can definitely help you best in ensuring that your baby is healthy and has a strong immune system.
The 2 -month visit: How to boost baby immunity?
When visiting the doctor, it’s best to be ready with questions that you may want to ask and know about your baby. This may include how to keep your baby healthy and how to prevent baby from getting sick.
Here are some concerns you may want to confirm with your pediatrician:
1. Feeding. Your baby may be lasting longer between feedings now, but they will still want to eat more at times. Most babies this age breastfeed 8 times every 24 hours or drink 26–28 ounces (780–840 ml) of formula per day.
2. Sleeping. During the day, your baby will likely become more attentive and stay up for longer lengths of time, while sleeping more at night.
Breastfed newborns can sleep for 4 to 5 hours at night, whereas formula-fed babies can sleep for 5 to 6 hours. It’s usual to wake up in the middle of the night to be fed.
3. Peeing and feces are two of the most common bodily functions.
Wet diapers should be changed multiple times a day, and poopy diapers should be avoided. Stools from breastfed babies should be soft and slightly watery. The feces of formula-fed babies are a little firmer, but they should not be hard.
4. Development. By 2 months, your baby should be able to:
- Concentrate and track faces and objects from one side to another
- Recognize the faces and voices of your parents
- Grin back when they are talked to, played with, or smiled at
- Raise their head while laying on their stomach
- Be aware of noises
- Take hold of a rattle that has been placed in your hand
Baby’s growth chart
Measuring the baby is usually the first step in a well-baby exam. You’ll need to take your baby out of his or her clothes so that he or she may be weighed on an infant scale.
Your baby’s length will be determined by placing him or her on a flat table and extending out his or her legs. His or her head circumference will be measured with special tape.
To generate your baby’s growth curve, the measurements will be plotted on a growth chart. This will show you if your baby is growing normally and how his or her development compares to that of other youngsters his or her age.
Head-to-toe physical exam
During the appointment, you should expect a complete physical examination. Mention any concerns or areas you’d like the doctor to examine.
An eye exam, listening to your baby’s heart and feeling pulses, assessing hips, and paying attention to your baby’s movements are all part of this process.
Lastly, your doctor will go through the results of the hospital screening tests and, if necessary, repeat them.
How to boost baby immunity
Ways on how to boost baby immunity. | Photo by Pixabay from Pexels
At the 2nd month, your doctor may give immunization shots to boost your baby’s immunity. These shots may include:
- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis)
- Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b)
- IPV (polio vaccine)
- PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine)
- HBV (hepatitis B)
- RV (rotavirus)
Remember that these vaccines are completely safe, and your baby requires them to prevent him or her from a variety of life-threatening infections such as pertussis or whooping cough.
Immunizations should be updated. Immunizations help prevent your baby from major childhood illnesses, so make sure he or she gets them on time. Immunization regimens differ from office to office, so discuss your options with your doctor.
Baby immune system stronger than adults
When compared to an adult, the child’s immune system has a reputation for being weak and immature, although this isn’t entirely accurate. A new study contradicts this.
According to the findings, the newborn immune system is far more powerful than previously assumed, and it outperforms the adult immune system in combating novel diseases.
Dr. Donna Farber, PhD, professor of microbiology & immunology, and the George H. Humphreys II Professor of Surgical Sciences at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons said,
“The infant’s immune system is robust, it’s efficient, and it can get rid of pathogens in early life. In some ways, it may be even better than the adult immune system, since it’s designed to respond to a multitude of new pathogens.”
READ MORE:
Just had a baby? Here’s what to expect on your first month after giving birth
Parent’s guide on your Baby’s development each month
How to keep your baby’s skin healthy
How to boost baby immunity at 2 months?
Boosting the immunity of a 2-month-old baby involves several important steps and considerations:
- Breastfeeding: Breast milk provides essential antibodies and nutrients that help boost a baby’s immune system. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months.
- Vaccinations or immunizations: Ensure that the baby is up-to-date with the recommended vaccination schedule. Vaccines help protect against various serious diseases.
- Healthy environment: Maintain good hygiene practices to minimize exposure to germs. This includes frequent handwashing, sterilizing bottles and pacifiers, and keeping the baby’s environment clean. In addition, limiting exposure to large groups of people can reduce the risk of infections.
- Maternal nutrition: If the baby is breastfeeding, the mother’s diet is crucial. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids can improve the quality of breast milk.
- Routine checkups or pediatric visits: Regular checkups with the pediatrician ensure the baby is growing well and can help detect any potential health issues early.
- Adequate sleep: Ensure the baby gets plenty of sleep, as rest is vital for a developing immune system.
- Avoiding smoke and pollutants: Keep the baby away from cigarette smoke and other pollutants, which can weaken their immune system.
- Bonding: Skin-to-skin contact can help regulate the baby’s body temperature and reduce stress, both of which can positively affect their immune system.
- Hydration: Ensure the baby stays hydrated, primarily through breast milk or formula, as this supports overall health and immune function.
These practices, combined with regular medical advice and attention, can help boost the immunity of a 2-month-old baby effectively.
Ways on how to boost baby immunity. | Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels
Immunity boosters for babies (6-month old and above)
These immune booster foods are good for babies but it is generally recommended to wait until they are around 6 months old and have started eating solid foods.
1. Brown Rice
These nutrient-dense grains are high in the minerals magnesium (a macromineral—you need a lot of it) and selenium (a micromineral—you don’t need a lot of it), which boost immunity and resistance to viral infections, respectively.
Purée cooked brown rice with meats, vegetables, or fruits—we’d enjoy brown rice blended with roasted bananas, a touch of cinnamon, and a little water! It’s also delicious mashed with dried fruits that have been cooked.
2. Yogurt
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in yogurt. You may already be aware that these organisms dwell in your stomach and can help your body use food more effectively. They are, nonetheless, essential in aiding your body’s recovery from illness. According to one study, youngsters who drank yogurt had a 19% lower incidence of colds, ear infections, and strep throat.
3. Walnuts
Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to your health in a variety of ways. Omega-3 fatty acids, according to experts, aid your body battle sickness. Omega-3s were observed to reduce the number of respiratory infections in children in some research. Walnuts are simple to add to a snack mix or cereal.
4. Lean meat
Lean meat contains protein, which is essential for maintaining strength. Second, lean meats include zinc, which helps white blood cells fight infections.
5. Fruits and vegetables
Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and sweet potatoes are abundant in vitamin C and can strengthen your immune system
Secrets on how to keep your baby healthy | How to boost baby immunity
Do not hesitate to ask your doctor questions! Consider jotting down your questions ahead of time so that you don’t forget them. If you and your spouse are unable to attend the appointment together, have a relative or friend accompany you to help care for your child while you speak with the doctor.
Also, keep in mind your personal health. Describe how you’re feeling whether you’re depressed, stressed, or exhausted. Your baby’s doctor is also available to assist you.
Tips on how to prevent baby from getting sick
Here are some ways to keep your infant healthy and keep those germs away from your baby.
1. Wash your hands frequently
Touch is the most typical route for an infectious disease to transmit. As a result, you should always wash your hands before picking up your infant or preparing food, as well as after diaper changes, restroom visits, or entering the house. Insist on the same requirements being met by everyone who wants to hold your infant.
2. Always bring a hand sanitizer
While authorities recommend using soap and water to kill germs, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
When you’re out and about, always carry a bottle with you. If someone insists on touching your infant, ask them to dab some on their hands first to keep your baby safe. People must rub aggressively for a whole 15-20 seconds for it to function.
3. Refrain from large crowds
You should avoid huge family gatherings and busy venues like malls when your infant is young. You can start being more daring after your baby is a little older — at least 3 months old.
4. Screen your visitors
It’s easy to forget how susceptible small babies are to germs. It’s not a bad idea to advise everyone who’s coming to visit that if they’re sick, they should stay at home. As soon as they’re feeling better, offer to reschedule.
Cite doctor’s orders if you’re scared you won’t be able to stop a particularly determined relative from kissing your baby’s cheeks.
“Our pediatrician ordered that no one should kiss him on the cheeks because he might get sick.”
Additional information written by Jobelle Macayan
Here at theAsianparent Philippines, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advise or medical treatment. TheAsianparent Philippines is not responsible to those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend to consult your doctor for clearer information.
