Caring for Your Baby and Young Child : Birth to Age 5

by AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS

• ISBN13: 9780553379624
• ISBN10: 0553379623
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 1998-07-01
• Publisher: Bantam

Summary

The organization that represents the nation's finest pediatricians and the most advanced research and practice in the field of child care answers all your medical and parenting questions. Here is sound, reassuring advice on child rearing that covers everything from preparing for childbirth to toilet training to nurturing your child's self-esteem. Here, too, is an indispensable guide to recognizing and solving common childhood health problems, plus detailed instructions for coping with emergency medical situations. Comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date,Caring for Your Baby and Young Childincludes: Basic care from infancy through age five Guidelines and milestones for physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth A complete health encyclopedia covering injuries, illnesses, congenital diseases, and other disabilities Safety checks for home, outdoors, and car A guide for choosing child-care programs A discussion of family issues from sibling rivalry and adoption to stepfamilies and working mothers And much more Caring for Your Baby and Young Childis an essential child-care resource for all parents who want to provide the very best care for their children--and the one guide pediatricians routinely recommend and parents can safely trust.

Table of Contents

Resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics	xviii
Foreword	xix
Introduction: The Gifts of Parenthood	xxi
Your Child's Gifts to You	xxii
The Gifts You Give Your Child	xxiii
How to Make Giving a Part of Your Daily Family Life	xxvi
PART I
Preparing for a New Baby	3	(20)
Giving Your Baby a Healthy Start	4	(2)
Choosing a Pediatrician	6	(3)
The Training of Pediatricians	6	(1)
How to Find a Pediatrician for Your Baby	7	(2)
Issues to Discuss with Your Pediatrician	9	(3)
When Should the Baby Leave the Hospital?	9	(1)
Should the Baby Be Circumcised?	9	(2)
Should I Breastfeed or Bottle-Feed?	11	(1)
Preparing Your Home and Family for the Baby's Arrival	12	(11)
Choosing a Layette	12	(3)
Buying Furniture and Baby Equipment	15	(3)
Preparing Your Other Children for the Baby's Arrival	18	(3)
Preparing Yourself for Delivery	21	(2)
Birth and the First Moments After	23	(10)
Routine Vaginal Delivery	24	(1)
Delivery by Caesarean Section	25	(1)
Delivery Room Procedures Following a Normal Vaginal Birth	26	(2)
Procedures Following Premature Birth	28	(3)
Leaving the Delivery Area	31	(2)
Basic Infant Care	33	(38)
Day to Day	34	(24)
Responding to Your Baby's Cries	34	(3)
Helping Your Baby Sleep	37	(1)
Positioning for Sleep	37	(2)
Diapers	39	(5)
Urination	44	(3)
Bowel Movements	47	(2)
Bathing	49	(3)
Skin and Nail Care	52	(1)
Clothing	53	(5)
Your Baby's Basic Health Care	58	(13)
Taking a Rectal Temperature	58	(4)
Visiting the Pediatrician	62	(3)
Immunizations	65	(6)
Feeding Your Baby: Breast and Bottle	71	(44)
Advantages and Disadvantages of Breastfeeding	72	(2)
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bottle-feeding	74	(1)
Breastfeeding Your Baby	74	(25)
Developing the Right Attitude	74	(1)
Getting Started: Preparing the Breasts for Lactation	75	(3)
Letting Down and Latching On	78	(2)
The First Feeding	80	(5)
When Your Milk Comes In	85	(1)
Breastfeeding Twins	86	(1)
How Often and How Long?	87	(2)
How Do You Know If Your Baby Is Getting Enough?	89	(2)
The Supplemental Bottle	91	(5)
Possible Problems	96	(3)
Bottle-Feeding Your Baby	99	(8)
Why Formula Instead of Cow's Milk?	99	(1)
Choosing a Formula	100	(1)
Preparing, Sterilizing, and Storing Formula	101	(4)
The Feeding Process	105	(1)
Amount and Schedule of Feedings	106	(1)
Supplementation for Breastfed and Bottle-Fed Infants	107	(3)
Vitamin Supplements	107	(1)
Iron Supplements	108	(1)
Water	109	(1)
Fluoride Supplements	110	(1)
Burping, Hiccups, and Spitting Up	110	(5)
Burping	110	(1)
Hiccups	110	(1)
Spitting Up	111	(4)
Your Baby's First Days	115	(22)
Your Newborn's First Days	116	(11)
How Your Newborn Looks	116	(4)
Your Baby's Birthweight and Measurements	120	(4)
How Your Newborn Behaves	124	(2)
Going Home	126	(1)
Parenting Issues	127	(5)
Mother's Feelings	127	(3)
Father's Feelings	130	(1)
Sibling's Feelings	130	(2)
Health Watch	132	(3)
Abdominal Distention	132	(1)
Birth Injuries	132	(1)
Blue Baby	132	(1)
Coughing	132	(1)
Excessive Crying	132	(1)
Forceps Marks	133	(1)
Jaundice	133	(1)
Lethargy and Sleepiness	134	(1)
Respiratory Distress	134	(1)
Umbilical Cord	134	(1)
Umbilical Granuloma	135	(1)
Umbilical Hernia	135	(1)
Your Newborn's First Physical Exams	135	(2)
Blood Tests	135	(2)
The First Month	137	(34)
Growth and Development	137	(17)
Physical Appearance and Growth	138	(1)
Reflexes	139	(2)
States of Consciousness	141	(5)
Colic	146	(1)
The First Smile	147	(1)
Movement	148	(1)
Vision	149	(1)
Hearing	150	(2)
Smell and Touch	152	(1)
Temperament	152	(2)
Basic Care	154	(7)
Feeding and Nutrition	154	(2)
Carrying Your Baby	156	(1)
Pacifiers	157	(1)
Going Outside	157	(1)
Finding Temporary Child-Care Help	158	(2)
Traveling with Your Baby	160	(1)
The Family	161	(3)
A Special Message to Mothers	161	(1)
A Special Message to Fathers	162	(2)
Siblings	164	(1)
Health Watch	164	(5)
Breathing Difficulties	164	(1)
Diarrhea	165	(1)
Excessive Sleepiness	165	(1)
Eye Infections	165	(1)
Fever	166	(1)
Floppiness	166	(1)
Hearing	166	(1)
Jaundice	166	(1)
Jitters	166	(1)
Rashes and Infections	167	(1)
Thrush	168	(1)
Vision	168	(1)
Vomiting	168	(1)
Weight Gain	168	(1)
Safety Check	169	(2)
Age One Month Through Three Months	171	(24)
Growth and Development	172	(13)
Physical Appearance and Growth	172	(1)
Movement	173	(5)
Vision	178	(3)
Hearing and Making Sounds	181	(1)
Emotional and Social Development	182	(3)
Basic Care	185	(5)
Feeding	185	(2)
Sleeping	187	(2)
Siblings	189	(1)
Health Watch	190	(3)
Diarrhea	190	(1)
Ear Infections	191	(1)
Rashes and Skin Conditions	192	(1)
Upper Respiratory Infections	192	(1)
Immunization Alert	193	(1)
Safety Check	193	(2)
Age Four Months Through Seven Months	195	(28)
Growth and Development	197	(11)
Physical Appearance and Growth	197	(1)
Movement	197	(3)
Vision	200	(2)
Language Development	202	(2)
Cognitive Development	204	(1)
Emotional Development	205	(3)
Basic Care	208	(9)
Introducing Solid Foods	208	(4)
Dietary Supplements	212	(1)
Weaning from Breast to Bottle	212	(1)
Sleeping	213	(2)
Teething	215	(1)
Swings and Playpens	215	(2)
Behavior	217	(2)
Discipline	217	(1)
Siblings	217	(2)
Health Watch	219	(1)
Immunization Alert	220	(1)
Safety Check	220	(3)
Age Eight Months Through Twelve Months	223	(34)
Growth and Development	224	(19)
Physical Appearance and Growth	224	(1)
Movement	225	(5)
Hand and Finger Skills	230	(2)
Language Development	232	(2)
Cognitive Development	234	(3)
Emotional Development	237	(6)
Basic Care	243	(9)
Feeding	243	(3)
Weaning to a Cup	246	(4)
Sleeping	250	(2)
Behavior	252	(3)
Discipline	252	(2)
Siblings	254	(1)
Safety Check	255	(2)
The Second Year	257	(36)
Growth and Development	258	(15)
Physical Appearance and Growth	258	(1)
Movement	259	(2)
Hand and Finger Skills	261	(1)
Language Development	262	(2)
Cognitive Development	264	(2)
Social Development	266	(3)
Emotional Development	269	(4)
Basic Care	273	(10)
Feeding and Nutrition	273	(8)
Getting Ready for Toilet Training	281	(1)
Sleeping	282	(1)
Behavior	283	(7)
Discipline	283	(3)
Coping with Temper Tantrums	286	(2)
Family Relationships	288	(2)
Immunization Alert	290	(1)
Safety Check	291	(2)
Age Two to Three Years	293	(40)
Growth and Development	298	(15)
Physical Appearance and Growth	298	(1)
Movement	299	(2)
Hand and Finger Skills	301	(1)
Language Development	302	(1)
Cognitive Development	303	(2)
Social Development	305	(2)
Emotional Development	307	(6)
Basic Care	313	(15)
Feeding and Nutrition	313	(2)
Teething and Dental Hygiene	315	(2)
Toilet Training	317	(2)
Sleeping	319	(2)
Discipline	321	(1)
Preparing for School	321	(7)
Family Relationships	328	(2)
A New Baby	328	(1)
Hero Worship	329	(1)
Visit to the Pediatrician	330	(1)
Immunization Alert	330	(1)
Safety Check	331	(2)
Age Three to Five Years	333	(48)
Growth and Development	334	(2)
Physical Appearance and Growth	334	(2)
Age Three to Four Years	336	(14)
Movement	336	(2)
Hand and Finger Skills	338	(1)
Language Development	339	(4)
Cognitive Development	343	(2)
Social Development	345	(3)
Emotional Development	348	(2)
Age Four to Five Years	350	(12)
Movement	351	(1)
Hand and Finger Skills	352	(1)
Language Development	353	(3)
Cognitive Development	356	(1)
Social Development	357	(2)
Emotional Development	359	(3)
Basic Care	362	(17)
Feeding and Nutrition	362	(3)
Beyond Toilet Training	365	(2)
Bed-Wetting	367	(1)
Sleeping	368	(3)
Discipline	371	(1)
Preparing for Kindergarten	372	(5)
Traveling with Your Preschooler	377	(2)
Visit to the Pediatrician	379	(1)
Immunization Alert	380	(1)
Safety Check	380	(1)
Keeping Your Child Safe	381	(42)
Why Children Get Injured	382	(3)
Safety Inside Your Home	385	(10)
Room to Room	385	(1)
Nursery	385	(5)
Kitchen	390	(1)
Bathroom	390	(1)
Garage and Basement	391	(1)
All Rooms	392	(3)
Baby Equipment	395	(6)
Highchairs	395	(1)
Infant Seats	396	(1)
Playpens	396	(1)
Walkers	397	(1)
Pacifiers	398	(1)
Toy Boxes and Toy Chests	399	(1)
Toys	399	(2)
Safety Outside the Home	401	(22)
Car Seats	401	(1)
Choosing a Car Seat	402	(1)
Installing a Car Seat	403	(7)
Use of the Car Seat	410	(4)
Baby Carriers---Backpacks and Front Packs	414	(1)
Strollers and Baby Carriages	415	(1)
Shopping Cart Safety	416	(1)
Bicycles and Tricycles	416	(2)
Playgrounds	418	(1)
Your Backyard	419	(1)
Water Safety	419	(2)
Safety Around Animals	421	(2)
Part-time Care for Your Child	423	(34)
What to Look for in a Caregiver	424	(1)
Choices in Part-time Care	425	(6)
In-Home Care	426	(1)
Family Child Care	427	(2)
Child-Care Centers	429	(2)
Making a Final Selection	431	(4)
Building a Relationship with Your Child's Caregivers	435	(6)
Resolving Conflicts That Arise over Your Child's Care	441	(3)
What to Do When Your Child Is Sick	444	(1)
Controlling Infectious Diseases in Child-Care Programs	445	(3)
Colds, Flu, and Other Respiratory Infections	446	(1)
Diarrheal Diseases	446	(1)
Skin and Eye Infections	447	(1)
Hepatitis	447	(1)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection	447	(1)
HIV (AIDS Virus) and Hepatitis B	448	(1)
Preventing and Dealing with Injuries in Child-Care Programs	448	(4)
Part-time Care for Children with Special Needs	452	(5)
PART II
Emergencies	457	(24)
Bites	459	(1)
Burns	460	(1)
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation	461	(3)
Choking	464	(3)
Cuts and Scrapes	467	(2)
Drowning	469	(1)
Electric Shock	470	(1)
Fingertip Injuries	471	(1)
Fractures/Broken Bones	472	(1)
Head Injury/Concussion	473	(2)
Lead Poisoning	475	(1)
Poisoning	476	(5)
Abdominal/Gastrointestinal Tract	481	(26)
Abdominal Pain	481	(3)
Appendicitis	484	(2)
Celiac Disease	486	(1)
Constipation	486	(2)
Diarrhea	488	(4)
Food Poisoning	492	(2)
Hepatitis	494	(2)
Hydrocele (Communicating Hydrocele, Infant Hernia)	496	(1)
Inguinal Hernia	497	(1)
Malabsorption	498	(1)
Milk Allergy	499	(2)
Pinworms	501	(1)
Reye Syndrome	502	(1)
Vomiting	503	(4)
Behavior	507	(12)
Anger, Aggression, and Biting	507	(2)
Hyperactivity and the Distractible Child	509	(3)
Television	512	(3)
Temper Tantrums	515	(2)
Thumb and Finger Sucking	517	(2)
Chest and Lungs	519	(16)
Asthma	519	(3)
Bronchiolitis	522	(2)
Cough	524	(1)
Croup	525	(2)
Flu/Influenza	527	(1)
Pneumonia	528	(2)
Tuberculosis	530	(1)
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)	531	(4)
Developmental Disabilities	535	(14)
Cerebral Palsy	536	(3)
Congenital Abnormalities	539	(4)
Hearing Loss	543	(2)
Mental Retardation	545	(4)
Ears, Nose, and Throat	549	(20)
Colds/Upper Respiratory Infection	549	(2)
Ear Infection	551	(3)
Epiglottitis	554	(1)
Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis/Allergic Conjunctivitis)	555	(3)
Herpes Simplex	558	(1)
Nosebleeds	559	(1)
Sore Throat (Strep Throat, Tonsillitis)	560	(2)
Swimmer's Ear (External Otitis)	562	(2)
Swollen Glands	564	(2)
Tonsils and Adenoids	566	(3)
Eyes	569	(10)
Vision Difficulties Requiring Corrective Lenses	571	(1)
Strabismus	572	(1)
Amblyopia	573	(1)
Eye Infections	573	(1)
Eyelid Problems	574	(1)
Tear Production (or Lacrimal) Problems	574	(1)
Cataracts	575	(1)
Glaucoma	576	(1)
Eye Injuries	577	(2)
Family Issues	579	(20)
Adoption	579	(1)
Child Abuse and Neglect	580	(3)
Divorce	583	(2)
Grief Reactions	585	(3)
One- and Two-Child Families	588	(1)
Sibling Rivalry	589	(2)
Single-Parent Families	591	(1)
Smaller Extended Families	592	(1)
Stepfamilies	592	(2)
Twins	594	(2)
Working Mothers	596	(3)
Fever	599	(6)
Genitourinary Tract	605	(10)
Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)	605	(1)
Hypospadias	606	(1)
Labial Adhesions	607	(1)
Meatal Stenosis	608	(1)
Undescended Testicles (Cryptorchidism)	608	(1)
Urethral Valves	609	(1)
Urinary Tract Infections	610	(1)
Wetting Problems or Enuresis	611	(4)
Head, Neck, and Nervous System	615	(10)
Meningitis	615	(2)
Motion Sickness	617	(1)
Mumps	618	(1)
Seizures, Convulsions, and Epilepsy	619	(2)
Sinusitis	621	(1)
Wryneck (Torticollis)	622	(3)
Heart	625	(8)
Arrhythmias	625	(2)
Heart Murmur	627	(1)
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure	628	(2)
Kawasaki Disease	630	(3)
Immunizations	633	(4)
Side Effects	633	(2)
Children Who Should Not Receive Certain Vaccines	635	(2)
Musculoskeletal Problems	637	(10)
Arthritis	637	(3)
Bowlegs and Knock-Knees	640	(1)
Elbow Injuries	641	(1)
Flat Feet/Fallen Arches	642	(1)
Limp	642	(1)
Pigeon Toes (Intoeing)	643	(1)
Sprains	644	(3)
Skin	647	(20)
Birthmarks and Hemangiomas	647	(2)
Chickenpox	649	(1)
Cradle Cap and Seborrheic Dermatitis	650	(1)
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis and Contact Dermatitis)	651	(1)
Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum)	652	(1)
German Measles (Rubella)	653	(1)
Hair Loss (Alopecia)	654	(1)
Head Lice	655	(1)
Hives	656	(1)
Impetigo	657	(1)
Insect Bites and Stings	657	(3)
Measles	660	(1)
Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac	661	(1)
Ringworm	662	(1)
Roseola Infantum	663	(1)
Scabies	663	(1)
Scarlet Fever	664	(1)
Sunburn	665	(1)
Warts	666	(1)
Chronic Conditions and Diseases	667	(12)
Coping with Chronic (Long-Term) Health Problems	667	(2)
Anemia	669	(2)
Cystic Fibrosis	671	(1)
Diabetes Mellitus	672	(2)
Failure to Thrive	674	(1)
HIV Infection and AIDS	675	(4)
Commonly Used Medications	679	(4)
Index	683

Excerpts

Foreword

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 53,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.  This book is part of the Academy's ongoing education efforts to provide parents with quality information on a broad spectrum of children's health issues.

What distinguishes this child-care book from the many others in bookstores and on library shelves is that it has been developed and extensively reviewed by members of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  A six-member editorial board developed the initial material with the assistance of more than seventy-five contributors and reviewers.  The final draft was then reviewed by countless numbers of pediatricians.  Because medical information on children's health is constantly changing, every effort has been made to ensure that this book contains the most up-to-date information available.

It is the Academy's hope that this book will become an invaluable resource and reference guide for parents.  We believe it is the best source of information on matters of children's health and well-being.  We are confident readers will find the book extremely valuable,  and we encourage them to use this book in concert with the advice and counsel of their own pediatrician who will provide individual guidance and help on issues related to the health of their children.

Joe M. Sanders, Jr., M.D.
Executive Director
American Academy of Pediatrics


Choosing a Pediatrician

Every pediatrician is committed to helping parents raise healthy children with the greatest possible ease, comfort, pleasure, and success.  However, different pediatricians have different approaches, so you may want to interview several pediatricians before selecting the one who best suits your family's particular preferences and needs.  Conduct these visits before the baby arrives, so the pediatrician you choose can give your newborn her very first exam.

Here are some considerations to help you make your choice:

The Training of Pediatricians

Pediatricians are graduates of four-year medical schools with three additional years of residency training solely in pediatrics.  Under supervised conditions, the pediatrician-in-training acquires the knowledge and skills necessary to treat a broad range of conditions, from the mildest childhood illnesses to the most serious diseases.

With the completion of residency training, the pediatrician is eligible to take a written examination given by the American Board of Pediatrics.  If he or she passes this examination, a certificate is issued, which you will probably see on the pediatrician's office wall.  If you see the initials FAAP after a pediatrician's name, it means he or she is a Fellow (member) of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  Only Board-certified pediatricians can become members of this professional organization.

Following their residency, some pediatricians elect an additional one to three years of training in a subspecialty, such as neonatology (the care of sick and premature newborns) or pediatric cardiology (the diagnosis and treatment of heart problems in children).  These pediatric subspecialists are generally called upon to consult with general pediatricians when a patient develops uncommon or special problems.  If a subspecialist is ever needed to treat your child, your regular pediatrician will help you find the right one for your child's problem.

How to Find a Pediatrician for Your Baby

A good place to start looking for a pediatrician is by asking your obstetrician for referrals.  He or she will know local pediatricians who are competent and respected within the medical community.  Other parents also can recommend pediatricians who have successfully treated their children.

Once you have the names of several pediatricians you wish to consider, arrange a personal interview with each of them during the final months of your pregnancy.  Most pediatricians routinely grant such preliminary interviews.  Both parents should attend these meetings if possible, to be sure you both agree with the pediatrician's policies and philosophy about child rearing.  Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask any questions.  Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

How soon after birth will the pediatrician see your baby?

Most hospitals ask for the name of your pediatrician when you're admitted to deliver your baby.  The delivery nurse will then call that pediatrician or his associate on call as soon as your baby is born.  If you had any complications during either pregnancy or the delivery, your baby should be examined at birth.  Otherwise, the examination can take place anytime during the first twenty-four hours of life.  Ask the pediatrician if you can be present during that initial examination.  This will give you an opportunity to learn more about your baby and get answers to any questions you may have.

When will your baby's next exams take place?

Pediatricians routinely examine newborns and talk with parents before the babies are discharged from the hospital.  This lets the doctor identify any problems that may have arisen and also gives you a chance to ask questions that have occurred to you during your hospital stay, before you take the baby home.  Your pediatrician will also let you know when to schedule the first office visit for your baby (as early as one day after discharge), and how he or she may be reached if a medical problem develops before then.

When is the doctor available by phone?

Many pediatricians have a specific call-in period each day when you can phone with questions.  If members of the office staff routinely answer these calls, you should find out what their training is.  Also ask your pediatrician for guidelines to help you determine which questions can be resolved with a phone call and which require an office visit.

What hospital does the doctor prefer to use?

Ask the pediatrician where to go if your child becomes seriously ill or is injured.  If the hospital is a teaching hospital with interns and residents, find out who would actually care for your child if he was admitted.

What happens if there is an emergency?

Find out if the pediatrician takes her own emergency calls at night.  If not, how are such calls handled? Also, ask if the pediatrician sees patients in the office after regular hours or if you must instead take your child to an emergency room.  When possible, it's often easier and more efficient to see the doctor in her office, because hospitals frequently require lengthy paperwork and extended waits before your child receives attention.  On the other hand, serious medical problems are usually better handled at the hospital, where staff and medical equipment are always available.

Who "covers" the practice when your pediatrician is unavailable?

If your physician is in a group practice, it's wise to meet the other doctors, since they may treat your child in your pediatrician's absence.  If your pediatrician practices alone, he probably will have an arrangement for coverage with other doctors in the community.  Usually your pediatrician's answering service will automatically refer you to the doctor on call, but it's still a good idea to ask for the names and phone numbers of all the doctors who take these calls--just in case you have trouble getting through to your own physician.

If your child is seen by another doctor at night or on the weekend, you should check in by phone with your own pediatrician the next morning (or on Monday).  Your doctor will probably already know what has taken place, but this phone call will give you a chance to bring him up to date and reassure yourself that everything is being handled as he would recommend.

How often will the pediatrician see your baby for checkups and immunizations?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends checkups by one month, and at two, four, six, nine, twelve, fifteen, eighteen, and twenty-four months, and annually after that.  If the doctor routinely schedules examinations more or less frequently than this, discuss the difference with her.

What are the costs of care?

Your pediatrician should have a standard fee structure for hospital and office visits as well as after-hours visits and home visits (if he makes them).  Find out if the charges for routine visits include immunizations.  If not, ask how much they will cost.  Also, if you are covered by a managed-care system (HMO, etc.), check whether the pediatrician is on the panel of physicians.

After these interviews, you need to ask yourself if you are comfortable with the pediatrician's philosophy, policies, and practice.  You must feel that you can trust him or her and that your questions will be answered and your concerns handled compassionately.  You should also feel comfortable with the staff and the general atmosphere of the office.

Once your baby arrives, the most important "test" of the pediatrician you have selected is how he or she cares for your child and responds to your concerns.  If you are unhappy with any aspect of the treatment you and your child are receiving, you should talk to the pediatrician directly about the problem.  If the response does not address your concerns properly, or the problem simply cannot be resolved, don't hesitate to change physicians.



    

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Excerpted from Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 by American Academy of Pediatrics Staff
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.