Taking care of children is our highest priority. Here, for your convenience, we’ve detailed information that parents frequently ask us. While the resources on this site are meant to be helpful, they are not a substitute for consulting your doctor. You are always welcome to call us for more information about any of the issues below. You can also read more on typical pediatric concerns by clicking the link below.
- COVID-19 RESOURCES
- THE HOW TO on TEMPERATURE TAKING
- IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE
- Types of Car Seats at a Glance
COVID-19 RESOURCES
Tips for Coping with a New Baby During COVID-19
Is it safe to send my child to child care during COVID-19?
Back to School, Back to the Doctor
THE HOW TO on TEMPERATURE TAKING
What is considered a fever?
Oral (Mouth): greater than 100°F
Tympanic (Ear): greater than 100.4°F
Rectal: greater than 100.4° F.
How do I take my child’s temperature orally?
This method is best for older children who are able to hold a thermometer in their mouth.
- Be sure your child has not had anything to eat or drink for 15 minutes before taking the temperature.
- Place the bulb end of the oral thermometer under your child’s tongue and have him/her close his mouth around the thermometer without biting it.
- Press the button and wait for the beep. If using a manual one, leave the thermometer in the mouth 3 minutes and then read.
How do I take my child’s tympanic temperature (in the ear)?
- Have your child sitting or lying down comfortably.
- Insert the probe of the tympanic thermometer into the ear canal.
- Move the outer ear up (for older children) or down (for those still in diapers) to open the ear canal and allow the probe to fit comfortably and completely inside.
- Press the button and wait for the beep.
- Remove the probe from the ear and then read it.
How do I take my child’s temperature rectally?
Use this method with small infants or if instructed to do so by our office.
- Place your child on his/her back.
- Open the diaper and leave it under the baby.
- Dip the bulb of the rectal thermometer in a small amount of petroleum jelly.
- Gently insert the bulb of the thermometer into the rectal opening about 1 inch.
- Press the button and wait for the beep or hold the manual thermometer carefully in place for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the thermometer; wipe it clean with a dry tissue and read.
Be sure to clean the used thermometer with soapy water and air-dry. Do NOT use the same thermometer for oral and rectal temperatures.
IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE
You will usually be instructed to have your baby’s first office two days after hospital discharge. We will then want to see your baby at 2 weeks and 5 weeks of age. (These visits are not considered “Physicals” and do require patient co-payments).
The recommended schedule thereafter for routine physical examinations, immunizations can be found at the link below.
| Age | Check-up | Immunizations | Labs/ Studies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | Weight check, jaundice check | ||
| 1 Month | Check-up, developmental check | Hepatitis B | |
| 2 Months | Check-up, developmental check | Pentacel, Prevnar 13, RotaTeq | |
| 4 Months | Check-up, developmental check | Pentacel, Prevnar 13, RotaTeq | |
| 6 Months | Check-up, developmental check | Pentacel, Prevnar 13, RotaTeq | Vision* |
| 9 Months | Check-up, developmental check | Hepatitis B | Hemoglobin, Vision* |
| 12 Months | Check-up, developmental check | Varivax, MMR | Hearing, Vision* |
| 15 Months | Check-up, developmental check | Hepatitis A, PCV 13 | Vision* |
| 18 Months | Check-up, developmental check | Dtap, Hib (Hep B if behind) | Vision* |
| 2 Years | Check-up, developmental check | Hepatitis A | Hearing, Lead, Vision* |
| 30 Months | Check-up, developmental check | Vision* | |
| 3 Years | Check-up, developmental check | Hearing, Vision* | |
| 4 Years | Check-up, developmental check | Dtap, IPV, MMR, Varivax | Hearing, Vision* |
| 5-10 Years | Yearly check-up | Vision* | |
| 11 Years | Check-up | Tdap, Menactra, Gardasil | Vision* |
| 12-15 Years | Yearly check-up | Vision* | |
| 16 Years | Check-up | Menactra, Trumenba | Vision* |
| 17 Years | Yearly check-up | Vision* | |
| Pre-college | Check-up | Tdap | Vision* |
For up to date Vaccine information, check out www.vaccineinformation.org
This chart is a quick guide on where to start your search. It’s important to continue your research to learn about each seat you use.
| Age-group | Type of Seat | General Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| Infants and toddlers |
Rear-facing-only Rear-facing-convertible |
All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. Most convertible seats have limits that will allow children to ride rear facing for 2 years. |
| Toddlers and preschoolers |
Forward-facing convertible Forward-facing with harness |
Children who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their convertible seat should use a forward-facing seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. Many seats can accommodate children up to 65 pounds or more. |
| School-aged children | Booster | All children whose weight or height exceeds the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age. All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat. |
| Older children | Seat belts | When children are old enough and large enough for the vehicle seat belt to fit them correctly, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for the best protection. All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat. |
COLLINS PEDIATRICS
2017 Metairie Road
Metairie, LA 70005
Office: (504)832-8022
Fax: (504)832-8044
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday : 9:00AM – 12:00PM