Last day with WCC is March 25, 2025. She thanks her patients and families for their support. Rachel Johnson, PA-C, Embarks on a New Chapter in Healthcare A Special Message from Rachel Johnson, PA-C: Dear Patient Families, My time at Wayzata Children’s Clinic has been incredibly fulfilling, and it has been a privilege to care for your children and build relationships with so many wonderful families. Caring for your little ones—watching them grow, celebrating their milestones, and supporting them through challenges—has been one of the greatest joys of my career. I deeply appreciate the trust you placed in me, and I will always cherish the memories and connections we shared. While this farewell is bittersweet, I leave with immense gratitude for the time I have spent serving this community. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child’s healthcare journey. I will miss you all dearly and wish you and your families health, happiness, and continued well-being. With appreciation, Rachel Johnson, PA Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

Our Minnetonka clinic is our very first, previously located in Wayzata. We moved in 2009, and it houses most of our providers. The main clinic is on the entire first floor, and you'll find our administration offices on the third. Our Minnetonka clinic is our very first, previously located in Wayzata. We moved in 2009, and it houses most of our providers. The main clinic is on the entire first floor, and you'll find our administration offices on the third. 14001 Ridgedale Dr #100, Minnetonka, MN 55305 Clinic Hours (952) 473-0211 Sunday Monday Wednesday Tuesday Thursday Saturday Friday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Closed Minnetonka View Holiday Hours We start answering phones M-F at 7 AM, Sa at 8:30 AM. Our Minnetonka providers Laura Brixius PA-C Tracie Dodig MD Martha Engelbrekt MD Maddie Janke PA-C Jen LeGare FNP-BC Tanya Liberato MD Mara Liss MD Shane McWhirter MD Ilene Moore MD Danah O'Neil MD Lab Hours General Lab Sunday Monday Wednesday Tuesday Thursday Saturday Friday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM 1:30 PM - 4:15 PM 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM 1:30 PM - 7:00 PM 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM 1:30 PM - 7:00 PM 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM 1:30 PM - 7:00 PM 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM 1:30 PM - 7:00 PM Closed Blood Draw Sunday Monday Wednesday Tuesday Thursday Saturday Friday Closed 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM Closed Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

12, 13 years (female) Nutrition Try to eat 3 healthy meals a day and limit the "junk" so your body can do its' best work (in school, sports, etc.). Your need for calcium increases to 3-4 servings a day (more than the Food Pyramid suggests) because your bones are soon going to be at their peak of strengthening and growth. Milk, yogurt, or calcium-fortified orange juice are good choices. Also, increase your iron (2-3 foods a day of iron-fortified cereal, meat, eggs, or green leafy vegetables). Your eating habits now will always pay you back later, for better or worse. Many adults wish they had known to eat better when they were younger. Some illnesses could have been prevented by eating more fiber (fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals). Try not to get into habits that will be tough to break, such as eating on the run or in front of the TV. And as your life gets busier, try to eat with your family once a day. If you are unhappy with your body's appearance or performance, take a good look at your eating and see what you could change. If you eat well, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly, your body will naturally grow at its' own pace. If you are concerned about your size, please talk to your health care provider. Wellness Visits If you want your teeth and gums to be healthy your entire lifetime, take care of them now. Brush well 2-3 times a day and see your dentist 2 times a year. Teeth Your sleep needs may increase as your growth increases. Try to go to bed earlier instead of sleeping in; getting up late can alter your normal body rhythm and make you even more tired during the day and sleepless at night. Also, try not to save all of your "think time" for bedtime — it often delays falling asleep. Sleep Always wear your seatbelt in the car and your helmet when biking or in- line skating, even if no one else does. We see permanent, life-changing injuries resulting from simple accidents, and NO ONE thought it would happen to them. Wear sunscreen if you are outside. A great tan is not worth cancer. Wear your life jacket if boating or near deep water, even if you swim well. Never take medicine (including vitamins) without knowing your dose. Evaluate what it will take to give your body the best. Make the decision now not to smoke, take drugs, drink alcohol, or have sex. Practice what you would say if someone pressured you. It only takes one mistake to change your life forever. If you have questions about sex, HIV or AIDS, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, please ask your mom, dad, or doctor or nurse practitioner. Introduce your friends to your family, negotiate your curfew times reasonably, and expect that your parents will want to know where you are. If you are in sports, make sure the playing areas are kept up well, and all protective equipment fits and is in good shape. Never share head gear. Safety Your friends and school activities are important, but try to participate in a "family" event at least once a week, and sit and talk with your mom or dad a little every day. You may not always agree on things (such as household jobs, curfew, or friends) but talking about your differences helps you respect and understand each other better. And remember to take some "free time" just for yourself every day. Family Many girls notice the body changes of "puberty" happening now (they can start anywhere between ages 8-14). These include fast height growth, breast development, armpit and pubic hair, body odor, acne, and interest in boys. Most girls start their periods between ages 10-16 (average 12-13). In regards to acne, the best prevention and treatment is staying healthy on the inside (eating well, drinking water, getting sleep and exercise). Wash your face no more than 2 times a day with your hands and very mild soap and limit make-up. Boys usually start puberty by ages 12-14, with their growth spurt at ages 13-16. Body changes can make people excited, nervous, or embarrassed, so respect other people's privacy. If you have questions or concerns about your health, body changes or sexuality, please talk with your mom or dad or your health care provider here. There are also many good books available on these topics. We look forward to seeing you again for a check-up next year! Growth Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

A Letter from Our New Executive Director, Eric B. Bettelheim, J.D., ACHE A Letter from the Executive Director In August 2024, for the first time in its 54-year history, Wayzata Children’s Clinic (WCC) hired an Executive Director – me. I come to WCC with over 30 years’ experience in children’s healthcare administration, having been Chief Operating Officer for a large children’s behavioral healthcare organization in New York City. I moved to Bloomington to be closer to my father-in-law, who is in a skilled nursing facility, and other family members. In the past seven months, I have fallen in love with the Twin Cities -- its culture, its food, its people. It has quickly become “home” in a way that New York never was. My focus at WCC is to make sure that it operates in a more efficient manner, so it can continue to provide state-of-the-art medical care in a traditional setting. Most of what I will be doing will be “behind the scenes”. There will be no change in what makes WCC special -- providers who look at and listen to you, and who practice medicine the way it used to be practiced. WCC will continue to be both your primary care providers and a more personal alternative to urgent care. Every so often, I will reach out you directly. I want your opinion on how we are doing -- what works, and where you think we could be doing better. If changes are made to our clinic operating hours/days, it will be based on your input -- telling us which clinics need to be open, and when, to work better with your busy schedules. I look forward to increasing the things that you can do on our new and enhanced Patient Portal -- such as making, rescheduling, and checking-in for appointments online. It will also be easier to use the portal to make a payment toward your co-pay or balance. I want to make your lives easier and better when it comes to your interactions with us -- to improve your WCC experience. In short, the only changes you will see will be changes for the better. Refreshed or renovated waiting room (the fish tanks will still be there) and treatment rooms. Better communication from us, including more targeted outreach and follow-up. Starting in Fall 2025, we will be able to administer flu, COVID and other annual vaccinations to you , the parent, at the same time we are immunizing your child . I’ll be at all five WCC Clinics on a regular basis. If you see me walking through the waiting room or in the treatment hallways, I hope you will introduce yourself and say “hello” (I like to be called “Eric”). And, if you have a question or something you wish to discuss with me, my e-mail address is EBettelheim@wcclinic.org . Thank you for the confidence you are placing in WCC and its staff. You are trusting us with one of the most important people in your lives -- your child -- often at a time they are at their most vulnerable. It is a responsibility we take very seriously, and we will do everything we can to keep earning that trust with every visit. Eric B. Bettelheim, J.D., ACHE Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

Book with Dave Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Dave Quale MD Biography Dave is a native of New London, Minnesota, and graduated summa cum laude from Augustana College (in Rock Island, Illinois) in 2000. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology, he spent a year working as a full-time counselor at Northwood Children's Services, a residential treatment center for children with emotional and behavioral problems. Dr. Quale went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 2005, and stayed there for his residency training in pediatrics. He is board certified in pediatrics and joined the Wayzata Children's Clinic in 2008. He is currently our board president. His clinical interests include adolescent, behavioral, and sports medicine. Dave, his wife Angela, and his daughters Lily and Audrey live in Medina. In his spare time he enjoys golf, basketball, fishing, running, and spending time with his friends and family. Back to Providers

9 months Nutrition Breast milk or formula intake will decrease as solid foods increase, and many babies begin using a cup at this age. Whole milk will start at 12 months. Offer 3-4 meals of soft, smashed, or carefully cut table foods, and slowly advance through the different choices and onto thicker foods. You can offer a variety of finger foods (including a cracker or teething biscuit), but observe carefully for choking. Also observe to make sure your baby does not put too much food in her mouth at once! Rest assured that your baby will start learning chewing skills whether or not she has teeth. For more information on serving choices and sizes for this age group, please review our handout on nutrition for 9-12 month-olds. Eating in a high chair and at your mealtime will help your baby feel like part of the family and encourages an interest in food and in trying new items. Wellness Visits It is recommended that you brush your baby's teeth twice daily (especially before bedtime) with a soft cloth and warm water. Try not to leave a bottle in the crib with your baby. This enhances tooth decay and could cause choking. Oral Health Most babies sleep 10 to 12 hours at night, and frequently decrease naps to once daily. This is a common age for nightwaking to occur, unrelated to hunger (see our handout on "Common Childhood Sleep Concerns"). Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is often very beneficial, including putting your baby down awake for all sleep times. Babies that already know how to fall asleep without much help from a parent can fall asleep better in the middle of the night. Sleep Do not be alarmed if you see a small piece of undigested solid food in your baby's stool. This is quite common as a child's diet becomes more complex. Odor and consistency may differ greatly from that of early infancy. Elimination Car Seat — Your infant may resist, but keep her strapped securely. The car seat may be turned facing the front of the car when your child reaches age one and 20 pounds. All children should ride in the back seat until age 12. Life-preservers — Minnesota State Law requires all children under the age of 10 to wear a life-preserver when on any private boat. Find one that fits well. Falls — Babies often go down unguarded stairways, so make sure your gates are secure (both at the top and bottom of the stairs). Bumper pads are a good idea around sharp edged coffee tables and fireplace corners. Ingestions — Everything goes into the mouth of a nine-month-old baby. In addition to securing all potential hazards out of reach, we suggest that you keep the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222) phone number handy (next to all of your home phones, and programmed into your cell phone). Burns — Irons, curling rods, lamps, light bulbs, lighted cigarettes, hot coffee, and hot food are all within reach of a crawling or walking child. Shaken Baby Syndrome is preventable. If you feel frustrated with your baby's crying, put her in a safe place and take a break. Call a friend, relative, or the Parent Warmline (612-813-6336). If you are at the end of your rope, call Crisis Connection (612-379-6363) or Minneapolis Crisis Nursery (763-591-0100). Safety Be prepared for numerous colds, coughs, flus, and other assorted viral infections, averaging 6-12 episodes per year. This is the normal process of your child's immune system getting educated in the real world, usually with the assistance of more public exposure. The vast majority of illnesses are minor and self-limited, and the frequency will decrease as your child gets older. Good hand washing decreases the incidence of illness and prevents spread to other family members. Illness This is the peak age of parental attachment. Your baby may be fearful of strangers (and even family members) and may cry when left with the sitter or daycare provider. Also, your baby may now be upright, grabby, and intruding on a sibling's territory. Consistent and appropriate limits are helpful. We recommend the next well-child visit at age TWELVE MONTHS. By then your baby may be on the verge of walking, talking, and testing your parenting skills and patience! The scheduled vaccines at that visit include the first Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Varicella (chicken pox), and Hepatitis A vaccines. You will soon have a walking bundle of energy on your hands. Hang in there! Family Adjustments Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

Thank you to our patient families who voted for our Minnetonka clinic. Thank You! A million thank yous to our patient families who voted for our Minnetonka clinic! For the past 8 years, you've voted for us being the best pediatric clinic in Lake Minnetonka magazine! We consider it a great honor to take care of your children. Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

Tips for keeping your little ones happy and healthy throughout their childhood years. Never smoke around your child, never allow people to smoke in your home, and monitor second-hand smoke exposure away from home. Avoid gun possession in your home. If you do have one, make sure the gun itself is safety locked, is physically locked up (out of sight), and the ammunition is locked in a separate location with a separate lock. Make sure you have the appropriate car seat, booster seat, or seatbelt for your growing child. All children should sit in the back seat until age 13. Don't forget the safety belt with grocery carts and strollers, too. Set your hot water heater at 120 degrees or lower and check the temperature every few months. Learn CPR and basic first-aid. Make sure all sleeping areas (as well as other living areas) have working smoke detectors. Check them every month to make sure they work, and change the batteries every six months. Devise a fire plan for your home, and involve your child when you feel he or she is old enough. Install a carbon monoxide detector near all sleeping areas. Teach caution, safety, and respect around animals, especially your own. Always wear bike helmets for biking, skateboarding, in-line skating and while riding a scooter. It all starts with parents modeling, then enforcing, this rule. Constantly supervise cooking areas, and avoid drinking anything hot while near your child. Constantly supervise your child near water (including bathtubs and buckets). Start swimming lessons as soon as your child is ready. Always wear lifejackets when near deep water or while boating (Minnesota State Law requires all children under age 10 to wear a lifejacket when on a boat). Never drink alcohol (even a small amount) and drive, whether or not your child is in the car. Start using sunscreen during infancy and continue forever. Avoid using commercially-available insect repellents containing the chemical DEET until your child is at least two months old. If your child is involved in organized (or pick-up) sports as he or she gets older, make sure the playing fields or courts are safe and well maintained. Also make sure that all protective equipment fits well and is in good condition. Never take medication in front of children, regardless of their age. Make sure all medications have safety caps and are never accessible (the most common danger areas are unlocked medicine cabinets, cupboards, drawers, and purses). Many household plants and garden flowers/plants are toxic even with minor ingestion. Research the ones you have or are planning to purchase and eliminate any that are poisonous. Keep matches and lighters out of sight and inaccessible. Teach children (starting at appropriate ages) correct use of scissors, knives, tools, and electrical appliances. Climbing on furniture is dangerous, and causes many early trips to the emergency room for stitches. Start the rule when your child is an infant — climbing is not allowed. Continually update your childproofing. Keep small items out of sight and reach, even long after you've allowed supervised permission to play with these items. Keep the Poison Control phone number (800-222-1222) handy next to all of your home phones and programmed in your cell phone. Make sure your child's sleeping area is safe. The windows should only slightly open, the crib or bed rails should meet federal safety standards, the crib mattress should be lowered sooner than you feel you need to, sharp furniture should be padded or removed from the room, and exposed light bulbs should be covered and lamps placed up high with no dangling cords. Avoid using your cell phone when driving. Minnesota State Law prohibits provisional license holders (license holders under age 18) and permit holders from using a cell phone while driving. Make sure you have a list of numbers you can call (this can include friends, relatives, neighbors, health hotlines, etc.) in the event you need help with your child. Circumstances can include everything from health emergencies to parental stress. Learn about Shaken Baby Syndrome and make sure your child's caregivers know what this is, also. Never, ever, shake or hit a child. Discuss strangers with your children frequently. Help them be comfortable yet cautious around people they do not know, and guide their behavior around strangers. Also remind them that they should always check with a parent before going off with another person (even if the person is known to your child) Regardless of your child's age, get prepared to answer questions or initiate discussion about sexuality and health risks (smoking, alcohol, drugs). It is recommended that your child's blood be tested for lead if he or she: lives in or attends daycare in a home built before 1950 lives in or attends daycare in a home built between 1950-1978 with peeling or chipping paint lives in or attends daycare in a home known to have lead water pipes or lead-based paint (on the woodwork, walls, or outdoor siding) lives or attends daycare near a heavily traveled highway lives or attends daycare near a long-term construction site has lived in a major metropolitan area within the past 10 years has a sibling or close daycare acquaintance with high blood lead levels Safety Through The Ages Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

Book with Nicole Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Nicole Peterson DNP, FNP-C Biography Nicole grew up in the small West Central lake town of Glenwood, MN. She completed her bachelor of science in nursing degree at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND. After graduation, she stayed in Fargo, working as a pediatric oncology RN at Sanford Children's Hospital for 4 years. During that time, she was accepted into graduate school at University of Mary in Bismarck, ND and met her husband. In 2020, they moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family. Nicole worked as an RN in the NICU at M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital for the next 3 years while she finished her advanced degree. She graduated in 2022 with a doctorate in nursing practice degree, specializing in family practice. She is nationally certified to care for patients of all ages. With a passion for pediatric health, Nicole was excited to join Wayzata Children's Clinic in 2023. She enjoys caring for children of all ages and assisting families to meet their health goals. Her and her husband live in Albertville, MN with their two labrador retrievers. They are excited to build their family in the next few years. In Nicole's free time, she enjoys spending time at the lake, fishing, hiking, camping, traveling, visiting with family, and exploring new places with her husband and dogs. Back to Providers

Share a Google Review for a chance to WIN! Share a Google Review for a chance to WIN! How was your clinic experience? Our goal is to provide a great experience every time you call or visit. Any patient family that submits a Google review before Jul 8, 2024 will be entered to WIN one of five Minnesota Made North Mallow S’more Kits! Thank you for your time and feedback. Good Luck! https://www.wcclinic.org/google-reviews Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

You have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of their bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3095. Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now

4 months Nutrition Breast milk and/or iron-fortified formula are still your baby's main food sources. Most babies nurse 4-6 times a day or take 20-36 ounces of formula. Solid foods (if desired) supplement, but do not replace, milk. Babies often give clues as to their need to start solids (see our handout on "Starting Solids"). Your baby should be able to sit with support and keep her head steady enough to be able to spoon feed. Solid foods should not be started arbitrarily based on weight or age. Wellness Visits Finally, the majority of babies are sleeping 8-12 hours at night, and taking 2-3 naps. It is recommended to always place infants on their backs for sleeping. Putting your baby in her crib for all naps and bedtimes will help her learn the skill of falling asleep alone. This makes it easier for her to do this in the middle of the night should she start waking. Sleep Starting solids will affect the color, consistency, odor, and frequency of stools. Breast-fed infants often have thicker less-frequent stools. Elimination Car seat: Make sure your baby's car seat still fits her appropriately (babies often need to advance to the next car seat size when they reach 20 pounds) and is in good shape. For the best protection, keep your infant in the center back seat of the car and facing backward until she is 1 year of age and 20 pounds. All children should ride in the back seat until they are 12 years old. Like seatbelts, car seats only work when used correctly and consistently. Life-preservers: Minnesota State Law requires all children under the age of 10 to wear a life-preserver when on any private boat. Find one that fits well. Falls: This is the most common age for babies to roll off beds, couches, and changing tables. Make sure safety straps are intact and applied correctly, or the crib rails up, if you need to walk away from your baby. Taking into consideration siblings and pets, the floor is often a safe place for a baby, and also enhances development. Grabbing and choking: Everything a four month old baby can get her hands around goes straight to the mouth. Watch out for jewelry, eye-glasses, tablecloths, coffee cups, small pieces of food, toys with detachable parts, coins, loose buttons (on your clothes and hers), hot or sharp items, etc. Anything that can fit inside an infant's mouth is a potential choking hazard. Use a playpen as an island of safety during times when your attention is needed elsewhere, but avoid using it for long periods of time. Your baby does need the opportunity to safely explore her world. Remember, if your baby is crying a lot put her in a safe place and take a break. Call someone to help you or call the Parent Warmline (612-813-6336). If you continue to feel frustrated or feel you could harm your baby, call Crisis Connection (612-379-6363) or Minneapolis Crisis Nursery (763-591-0100). Safety The four-month age is thought to be the most social of the first year of life. Your child will often smile and coo at anyone, including doctors and nurse practitioners! Siblings often think babies are more "fun" now, as they can get the baby to respond to actions and talking. We encourage parents to evaluate their own personal time needs and arrange to have those needs met. Family Adjustments Please let us know of any side effects other than a low-grade fever or local tenderness at the injection site. Your baby's next regular health care visit will be at age SIX MONTHS. By then she will be on the edge of mobility, getting more specific at grabbing things, babbling more, and possibly getting a little cautious of strangers. We will discuss advancing solid foods at that time. The scheduled vaccines are the third DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV7, HBV and oral Rotavirus. The Influenza vaccine is also encouraged for all children ages 6-23 months (depending on the time of year). Please try to be at least 10 minutes early for all scheduled well-child visits. Aim to be human, not perfect, in your parenting. Immunizations Locations Chaska (952) 448-3847 Location & Hours Delano (763) 230-2780 Location & Hours Maple Grove (763) 324-8000 Location & Hours Minnetonka (952) 473-0211 Location & Hours Spring Park (952) 495-8910 Location & Hours Save time. Book online! Book Now