As your dedicated newborn baby pediatrician team serving the families of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and the Greater Atlanta Area, we understand that a baby’s first year is a time of immense vulnerability. While the world presents countless developmental opportunities, it also exposes your child to various pathogens. This is precisely why we consider childhood vaccinations to be one of the most critical steps we take together to ensure your child has a healthy, protected foundation for life.

Handwashing is Our First Line of Defense

One of the simplest and most effective day-to-day ways to keep kids safe from viruses is consistent handwashing. We strongly advise using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after eating, and after coughing. This easy practice is a core teaching point during our newborn checkups and throughout early childhood, offering a practical way for our Cumming and Roswell patients to reduce the spread of germs substantially.

Essential Practices for Cough and Surface Control

In addition to hand hygiene, we teach children who have a cough to always use a tissue or their elbow/sleeve to cover the cough to minimize the spread of droplets. We also recommend parents in Milton utilize antibacterial wipes regularly around the house. These should be used on high-touch surfaces like toys, door and sink handles, and throughout the kitchen to keep the shared environment safe and clean for everyone.

Know When to Stay Home and Prevent Spread

To avoid spreading illnesses within your family and community, it is crucial to stay home until you are fever, vomit, and diarrhea-free for a minimum of 24 hours. Crucially, this 24-hour period must be achieved without the use of masking medications like Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or anti-nausea medications. This strict guideline helps protect everyone, especially vulnerable infants across the Greater Atlanta Area.

Vaccines: Your Most Powerful Preventive Tool

While hygiene practices are essential, vaccines remain our most powerful tool for prevention. Vaccinations can significantly keep your children out of the hospital and drastically reduce the severity of many serious childhood diseases. As your trusted newborn doctor, we advocate for following the recommended schedule, which is designed to provide optimal protection precisely when your baby needs it most during their crucial first year.