WeMoms
24 May 2022

Vaccination and teething: baby's first health appointments

Baby

During their first year of life, your baby will have to visit the pediatrician many times. This doctor specialized in the care of kids will monitor your little one's development and can give you precious advice on how to take care of your baby daily. Among the important appointments, let's focus on those dedicated to the first vaccination and the development of teeth.


  • Do you want to prepare your little one's first vaccination? First, you should know that if your child was born in 2018, the number of mandatory vaccinations has increased from 3 to 11. Don't panic, though! The first vaccination is the most difficult one. If everything goes well, you and your baby will go back for the rest of it with confidence and no apprehension.
  • Because you're a well-organized mom, you write everything down! To make sure you don't miss any appointments, you can refer to the vaccination calendar. This document, published and updated every year by the Ministry of Health, allows you to see at a glance the recommended ages for each vaccine. All the recommended vaccines are listed in the vaccination booklet. To keep this document, opt for a colorful health booklet cover.
  • When you go to the pediatrician, don't forget your child's favorite stuffed animal, it is a valuable ally in soothing your child in all circumstances.
  • In case of teething, the magic powers of the binky may not be enough. To reduce the pain, you can use a teething ring or acetaminophen, always asking the advice of your pediatrician or pharmacist beforehand.
  • Except in cases of severe pain or fever over 101,3 °F, the first baby tooth doesn't require a visit to the pediatrician. Starting around 6 months, teething can cause a variety of symptoms, from red cheeks to a (very) grumpy baby. Don't worry, it should only last a few days.


Related Posts

In this article

1
2
3
4
5
6

Baby teething 101

1

When does your baby start teething? How do you know about teething, and how can you help? Follow the guide.


  • Between 4 months and 1 year, there is no specific age for the appearance of the first tooth.
  • Teething is not painless.
  • To relieve teething pain, you can use teething rings, gum baths, massages, and medication.
  • By age 3, your baby has all his baby teeth and can start brushing them on their own, under your supervision.
  • Before giving any medication or if your child has strong symptoms, check with your pediatrician.

Everything you need to know about baby immunization

2

Your baby is about to turn 2 months old? It's time to think about immunization and the first vaccines. Here's everything you need to know about them.


  • The regulations concerning mandatory vaccines were recently modified following the reappearance of epidemics in France.
  • From now on, 11 vaccines are mandatory.
  • The first dose is given at the age of 2 months, followed by several booster shots.
  • All the information is recorded in the vaccination booklet, a document to be kept carefully throughout life.
  • To keep track of your child's immunizations step by step, you can get an immunization calendar.

Baby nails and hair

3

Your baby's nails and hair need special care. Find out the essentials.


  • Your baby is born with well-formed nails, while hair density varies from child to child.
  • You can trim your baby's nails and hair as soon as they become too long.
  • If your baby scratches, use a nail file in the first few weeks, and then round-tipped scissors, or baby-friendly nail clippers after one month.
  • For the hair, it is recommended to wait until 6 months before having their first cut.
  • Choose a time when your baby is calm or asleep to perform these delicate tasks to avoid stress.

What are baby care essentials?

4

From birth and throughout the early years, your baby will need special care. Here are a few things you'll need to do for your little one:


  • Ears cleaning;
  • Clearing their nose in case of congestion or runny nose;
  • Nails cutting and/or filing;
  • Getting haircuts if it becomes too long, and remove cradle cap;
  • Umbilical cord cleaning;
  • Recognizing food or skin allergies;
  • Checking for fever;
  • Treating common illnesses such as gastroenteritis, colds, diarrhea, vomiting, or reflux.


Baby care kits and baby medicine kits are great to always have the necessary products and accessories at hand.

Baby's eyes

5

You have some questions about your baby's eyes, here is some information that will help you know them better:


  • The color of a baby's eyes evolves from the 6th month with the pigmentation of the iris.
  • You notice that your baby's eyes are often teary, this is because the tear duct is not completely open!
  • Your baby can only see objects a foot away from them until the 3rd or 4th month.
  • A baby's eyes are attracted to bright colors and curved objects.
  • Babies frequently squint as their eyes are not yet working in harmony.

Why does baby have a flat head?

6

You've noticed that your baby has a flat head on one side, and you wonder if it's serious and what to do about it:


  • Your baby's head is flat because of the position they adopt in the crib.
  • This is called positional plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome.
  • It is a deformity related to lying on the back.
  • A baby's head is very flexible and takes the shape of the bed on which it rests.
  • It is advisable to consult an osteopath who will manipulate baby gently.
  • There are helmets and cushions to reduce flat head syndrome, talk to your pediatrician if concerned.

Related articles