This chapter is all about keeping your baby well and safe. The first part of the chapter, Baby Medical Guide, offers information on how to care for your baby’s health during the first year of life, including how to choose a pediatrician. It gives valuable information about common medical procedures, tests, and immunizations for babies, including a table of the typical schedule for immunizations and potential side effects and reactions.

The second part of the chapter, Your Baby and Illness, discusses how to interpret early symptoms of illnesses and covers common baby medications and how to administer them. The extensive Baby Illnesses A to Z section lists many common baby illnesses that could be mild or serious and suggests possible causes and treatments. It will help you to tell when your baby’s illness is serious enough to warrant immediate medical attention, and when it’s okay to wait to call your baby’s doctor during regular office hours.

The third section, Baby Safety Guide, discusses baby accident prevention, including how to babyproof your home, and important instructions on family fire safety, vehicle safety, and drowning prevention. You’ll find practical hints on how to treat minor injuries, such as how to remove a splinter and tend to minor cuts, what to do when your baby chokes or swallows objects, and how to deal with sprains, strains, and fractures. Here you’ll find critical instructions such as first-aid and baby CPR advice in case you’re faced with an emergency.

The Leading Baby-Product Dangers table provides a quick-reference overview of the most common causes of baby injuries and deaths based on U.S. injury center data. You’ll also find listings of regulatory agencies that deal with children’s safety, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

NOTE: This section has been written for educational purposes only. It does not cover all baby illnesses, only the most common illnesses and unintentional injuries that can happen to babies during the first year of life. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for medical advice from a health-care provider. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems, illnesses, or accidents your baby has without first consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Your baby’s health-care provider is the best person to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your baby’s health and safety.