Kira's 6-mo Doc Appt - Homework

Kira had her 6-month doctor's appointment yesterday.  She's fallen from the 75th percentile when she was born to the 42nd percentile!  I made sure with the doctor that this does not mean Kira is underweight; it simply means she's skinny, which, he added, is not a surprise based her her father's stature. (He mentioned nothing about my stature...)

Lots of things we need to start with Kira!

1. Eating solids - we started already, so we just need to keep going.  After a week of eating rice cereal, the doctor suggests we introduce apples.  This will help with any constipation that may occur.  He added that if Kira is indeed having difficulty making poops, I can also feed her 1-2 oz of prune juice.

2. Using a sippy cup - Kira can now start drinking water from a sippy cup!  I need to get one from BRU.  The doctor warns not to give her too much juice other than prune juice for regularity because of the sugar.

3. Sleep training - Kira's doctor says we should try to put her down to sleep before she actually falls asleep so she can learn to sleep on her own.  So far, we've failed miserably at this.  Kira sleeps only if one of her grandmothers rock her to sleep, or if I nurse her to sleep.  And the doctor also says I don't need to feed her when she wakes up in the middle of the night.  I tried to explain that I do not nurse her for the sake of feeding her, but for the sake of getting her to drift off back to sleep so I can eventually go back to sleep!  Yesterday I read a bit about sleep training (Babycenter); the idea is to let the baby cry until she falls asleep.  It sounds harsh, but it involves the mom (or dad) periodically checking in on her and comforting her with soft voices and sweet talk...but no picking up.  We tried it for a little while last night, but we failed.  Seeing that she had three shots yesterday, I felt bad and I picked her up, and nursed her.

4. Vitamins with iron - currently Kira is just taking Vitamin D; the doc says I can now give her a multivitamin with iron.

5. Topical hydrocortisone - Kira has a rash on both arms, around her elbows.  The doctor says to apply 1% hydrocortisone for a week, and if it has not completely cleared up after a week, I should let him know and he will prescribe something stronger.  I think I will apply it in the morning and in the night.  I think that plan will result in the best compliance on my part.

6. Baby-proofing - The doctor mentioned this last time.  Keep the floor clear of dangerous items (e.g., small objects, wires).  Think about lowering the mattress of Kira's bed.