We know that the first few years of your child's life are extremely important. This is a time of extraordinary growth and development. In Pediatrics, we enjoy sharing these events with you. Below, we provide some helpful information and resources:

WELL CARE VISITS: Regular well care allows you and your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner to check your child's health and development, answer your questions and update immunizations. Plus, it's fun seeing you and your child!

Before Your Well Care Visit:
1) Click on the link Infancy: 0 to 11 Months. You will be able to read the checkup information sheets for your child's age. Write down any questions you may have.
2) Also, at this same link Infancy: 0 to 11 Months, print the well care visit questionnaire for your child's age. Complete it and bring it to your child's well care visit.
3) Please bring your child's immunization records to all well care visits.

YOUR BABY'S DEVELOPMENT:

• The Magic of Everyday Moments: This is information for parents about maximizing your child's development. Click here.
• Your Baby's Temperament: Every child is different. Some babies are more active, some are more persistent. Go to this site to check on your baby's temperament as early as 4 months of age. Knowing temperament lets you tailor your parenting approach to what works best for your baby.

VACCINE INFORMATION: Shots protect against many serious diseases. You may have questions or concerns. The Internet is full of information on shots, and not all is accurate. Here are some reliable web sites and other resources to learn more about shots:

• 2007 Vaccine Schedule
• Immunization Action Coalition
• Shots to Protect Your Child/PHP Information
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Shot Vaccince Information
• Another reliable site for shot information

SAFETY AND PREVENTION: In Pediatrics, we strive to keep children healthy by preventing accidents and injuries. For information about products that can harm your child, click here. There are excellent web sites on preventing shaken babies, gun safety, car safety, and fire safety. Here's a list of more web sites for

PEDIATRIC HEALTH TOPICS:

• Pediatric Health Information: For lots of health information such as colds and flu, allergies, vomiting and diarrhea and many other topics, go to Pediatric Health Information and Child Health Information.
• Your Baby's Skin: We recommend mild soaps without perfumes. Check here about rashes or other skin conditions.
• General Health Topics: Lots of health information on this web site with specific pediatric web section and searchable. Go to www.healthfinder.gov.
• More Pediatric Health Information: See the parent section of the American Academy of Pediatrics site for many childhood health issues. Kid's Health Web Site contains topics for all age children.

ILLNESS AND INJURY: We understand the worry and stress when you baby is sick. The resources above in "Pediatric Health Topics" can be very helpful. In addition, below are some specific topics:

• Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen (Tylenol)Recommended Pediatric Dosing
• Fever Facts
• Colds and Flu in Children
• Vomiting and Diarrhea in Children
• How to Manage Asthma: A Guide for Adults and Children

DENTAL CARE:

• Your Child's Teeth: Here's a site for general dental information.
• Fluoride: Fluoride prevents cavities. It is needed from age 6 months to 16 years old. Children in the City of Sacramento get fluoride in the water. For other areas of Sacramento County, check the Sacramento area fluoride map. On this map, if you live in "optimal fluoride" or "partial fluoride" areas, no additional fluoride is needed. If you live outside of Sacramento County, check with your water company to see if you have fluoride. If you have well water, get it tested for fluoride. Call your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner if your child needs fluoride or if you have questions.