Rant - Baby's 4 Month Doctor Visit. What Do You Think?

Doesn't seem to me that any of that stuff sounds unreasonable. If that is the only thing that you are concerned about, I wouldn't switch Dr.'s over it.....

I think I'd find a new doctor, personally. It sounds like the doctor is pushing their personal feelings or opinions on you, vs. actually practicing medicine.

C.! Relax! This is your 3rd baby, you're supposed to be pro right?! :)
That being said, even though I respect my Dr. I usually take about 15% of what she says, apply it to my life, and throw out the other 85%. :)

1) Don't have experience w/...both my kids co-slept and have beautifully shaped heads. ;) Tummy time? Isn't that supposed to help. Limit the time she spends in the car seat to the car? Carry her in stores? Those things are supposed to help.

2) No way. Those are old guidelines and they are kinda foolish. Why rush it? There is no need.

3) HAHAHAHA!!! My 14 mth. old still wakes twice during the night to nurse. 8pm-2am is a very nice stretch for her age, IMHO.

4) I did/do give my son D, but that is all. Wouldn't stress over it. I am super leery about the vitamin situation right now as many have been proven to have lead in them. I would not stress over it. Take her outside for a walk. :)

Shake it off. If you feel you and your ped. are on completely different pages then it IS time to start looking for a new one.

Trust your mama instinct. DH and I leave the ped. office and just laugh..."Can you believe she said that-ridiculous!" Lol. ;)

Ugh, this is why I hate doctors and only take my children enough to not get in trouble with the law. :p

I feel your pain. They gave me those recommendations on baby #6, except for her head being flat. I "wear" my babies most of the time, and they get plenty of tummy time, so they didn't have any flat spots.

My children start solids when they're old enough to grab it off my plate. I'm not joking, either. When they can actively reach for it, they can have it. That hasn't been before 6 months with any of them. I also don't feed them babyfood (gasp!). I mash up real good what I'm eating that they can have.

"Sleeping through the night" (to me) has always been "they only wake up to nurse a little and get a diaper change". That's sleeping through the night.

I'm breastfeeding my children. They get plenty of vitamins: the ones I'M taking. They can have vitamins when they can swallow one without choking on it.

Gaaaah. I feel your pain, C.. I really do!!

Edit:
I should also add that my children get PLENTY of sun, even in the winter time, so I don't feel the need for a vit. d supplement. 15 minutes of direct sun to exposed arms and face produces enough vitamin d for an adult. My kids get waaay more than that a day.

C. - While I am on the other side of the states from you, Washington, I have to think that your kids doc and mine went to the same school!! While we didn't have #1 issue, she has told me all of the other things as well. I came home after my daughters 4 month checkup and told my husband, "she doesn't know what she is talking about!"
Really, she said the SAME EXACT THING about starting solids! WHAT? My baby still hasn't had solids yet and she is almost 6 months old. She also said the same thing about sleeping through the night. I kind of smiled at her and said, "I am okay with her getting up at 3am to eat." She said there were other ways to get her back to sleep. My baby is also EBF and I told her that sleeping from 8pm to 3am is a long time for a baby to go without eating and that I was comfortable with her eating habits. We also got told the same thing about vitamins. Did your doc say vitamin D? I never gave that to my two older boys but I do feel the need to research that one a bit. Out here in WA there is not a lot of sun so I can see that there may be a vitamin D deficiency.
I haven't looked for a new doctor because we are on state aid for medical, plus she is my third so I am feeling a bit more confident that I know what I am doing. If you have insurance and you can switch then I probably would. I know that I would if I could.
L.

I think doctors today don't know how to deal with a breastfed infant. I can't tell you how many of my bfing friends and myself have dealt with bad advice from our doctors. You are her mother of course you will know when she is ready for solids maybe some babies are ready at 4 months. Your daughter might not be until 6 and that is for you to decide. Also BF babies take forever to sleep through the night. I actually think it makes sense that bottle fed babies are more likely to die from SIDS. They sleep too deeply for too long b/c they aren't waking up hungry. (This is not in any way saying that people shouldn't bottle feed if they need to just that some of the benefits of breastfeeding aren't as tangible).

Just to make you laugh I have some of the worst advice doctors have given. Someone I know stopped BFing at 2 months b/c the doctor said her baby had gotten all the colostrum and there was no more benefit. Another friend who was BFing her 11 month old in the room at the doctors office was interrupted when the doctor came in. He said whoa are you still doing that what are you going for a record or something AT 11 MONTHS old. I just can't believe the ignorance of doctors. If you ask them they'll say yeah breast is best etc but when it comes down to it they don't really support it.
Okay so I know you're question wasn't exactly about BFing but to me it just sounds like a lot of the issues are misinformation on the part of your doctor. Maybe you could try to educate her a little bit about BFing so she could help instead of hinder someone who isn't as well informed as you.
A. (mom to one 3 year old who BFed for 2 years and couldn't be healthier)

New practice. I'm thinking about getting a new one myself. Told me to give my 3 month old vitamin D - the same dosage that is recommended for a 5 year old. Really? First, shouldn't she be tested for vitamin D deficiency since you (doctor) take her blood for other tests?

The eating solids at 4 months even though she's not holding her head up is the kicker for me. Mine is 6 months and she still has a strong tongue reflex but I'm "encouraged" to get her to eat cereal as apparently Iron deficiency is as rampant as vitamin D deficiency. So much for "mother's milk" having everything a little one needs...

I say take it for what it's worth...there's no law saying you HAVE to immediately do everything on the schedule suggested by your pediatrician, right?

Did you not go to the appointment? I'm wondering why you didn't ask all these questions yourself.

I have lots of thought on your doctor's opinion, but I really think you ought to call their office and ask the questions directly to them. Your doctor's own explanations/rationale should help you decide if you want to look for a new pediatrician.

I don't know what to do about #1.
2) Our pedi said to start solids at 6 months, but she was ok with 4 months if we were interested. We weren't. We waited and our daughter was fat and happy on breast milk until then.

3) I hate it when MD's say that your baby should be sleeping through the night at such-and-such an age. At 3-4 months I think they have the ability to sleep train, but that doesn't mean that they absolutely should be sleeping through the night. You keep doing what is right for your family.

4) The only vitamin our pedi recommended was Vitamin D, and that is because MY levels were low, and I was breastfeeding. I'm a redhead so I don't stay out in the sun very long. I had to take supplements to get my own levels up but I also gave them to her, just in case. It's really tough to OD on Vitamin D, so we felt perfectly safe giving it to her. Also, we have a strong family history of Diabetes, and low Vit. D has been shown to play a role in the development of Type One Diabetes in children. Vit. D also has important immune functions as well, so if I were you I would consider it, but don't let it eat you up inside. Maintain a good diet/lifestyle for yourself so you know you are giving her good nutrition.

I hope this helps!

I don't think anything is extreme enough to switch doctors. In fact, mine said the same thing with my son 5 years ago and he turned out fine!

1) If they are concerned about the head, my doctor suggested attempting to at least lay them on their opposite side to force them to have some time on the non-dominant side. It worked with my son (who was rolling over by 4 months), and the "problem" quickly corrected itself.

2) We started feeding our son solids at 4 months old, and he did great. We started with cereals for quite some time (maybe a month?) before adding other things, but he loved it! Unless you have some real reason to not do it, it's not going to drastically hurt her.

3) My son was sleeping through the night (11P-9A) by 4.5 months old, so I don't think it's completely unrealistic for your pediatrician to say that. I think they tell you this so you know what is realistic. Parents who believe in CIO often times don't know when to begin the process, so I think they tell you this more as an "it's okay to do it" type of thing versus trying force your daughter to sleep through.

4) It really is never too early to start vitamins. Even as a breastfeeding mom who is taking all of her vitamins, your child is still not getting everything that she needs.

Remember, medicine and "baby rules" are constantly changing. If they weren't diagnosing properly or had a poor bedside manner, then maybe changing practices should occur, but I think you will find doctors at any practice who will tell you the same things.

I don't like the doctor's advice, but it's not *necessarily* extreme enough to switch practices.
I told my dr we didn't intend to start solids until at least 6 months. The response was a simple "Okay."
I told my dr. I didn't mind my baby's night-waking. The response was "Don't complain to me when he's not sleeping through at a year." @@ (He sleeps through just fine now, at 6 months, so there!)

There's a difference between advice that isn't trustworthy and opinions that differ. Your doctor isn't recommending anything hideous, just things you might differ on. I'd make him aware of your thoughts/choices/opinions, and base the decision whether to keep him or ditch him on his response to your positions.

most pediatricians say stuff like that...but they're just doctors! Just nod your head and smile then do what you're doing, you and your husband are the ones who know your baby and know what she's ready for :). I never gave my kids vitamins. They say they need the vitamin D, but in my opinion SUNSHINE is the best source. I've only heard of a handful of babies who actually slept through the night at 4 months old--my mother in law was always telling me how my babies "should have" been sleeping through the night then, and my response was "ya know, i keep telling her that. She just won't listen to me! So defiant already!". I wouldn't worry about switching pediatricians, most of them spout out generic stuff like this. Congratulations on your new baby!

.

I don't know what practice you're going to but it all sounds like the same stuff my 3 kids peds in Warwick told me. All0 3 of my kids started baby food @ or about 4 months & still had milk. & once they were on the baby food they also started on a multi vitamin. Now of course I don't agree w/ everything my ped tells me but my hubby & I tell him our reasons why & he has always respected our opinion. It's all about open dialog between your doctors & yourself so you can get the best treatment possible. I'm sure if you spoke w/ your peds he/she would listen & also explain why they tell you what they tell you. As for the sleeping thru the night I think they meant that if he/she is getting @ least 6 straight hours...you should have asked what he meant by thru the night. Good luck!

This definitely sounds like it came through the hubby filter.

2. Recommendation is 6 months. She may have said you "can" start at 4 months if you feel the urge. Before 4 months is a no-no. It sounds like you know the signals, so go with that.

3. Sleep through the night doesn't mean "sleep through the night." I think it means 5 to 7 hours at a time. Also, 4 months old is about the time a little one's digestive system is getting developed enough so they don't need to be fed more than once overnight (and some not at all at night). With our second, it was more like 6-7 months.

4. This one has changed. As noted in the comments below, most people, including babies, are deficient in Vitamin D. And bm doesn't have it. It's a good idea to supplement (I tried to remember, but was really bad about it.) Also, the iron reserves run out at 6 months or so, which is why iron-fortified cereals are pushed.

Is your new pediatrician an older pediatrician? The "solid foods at 4m" and "should be sleeping through the night at 4m" both sound very old school to me, and not at all in line with what is currently known and accepted by the AAP.

I might look around for a new practice, depending on how I felt. Because I'd wonder if the docs weren't informed on this info, what else might they not be up to speed about?

WOW - you got yourself an old school obesity child in waiting Pediatrician who knows nothing about breastfeeding, it's benefits and what is to be expected.

I am very happy to hear you are educated enough to understand solids are WAY too early to start, that breastfeeding only is what is best for a few months longer and that if you are breastfeeding, vitamins are a waste of money!

I'd probably still be looking for another practice to take my child to.

C.,
Run, don't walk. Find a new practice. just because others love them, doesn't mean they are RIGHT. No! This is exactly what I ran from. practically screaming.

4 months. Keep on breastfeeding Mama. you can go exclusive up to a year if you wish, but La Leche League has info on that that will better serve you and baby. Try the website or go to a meeting for more inf.

Flat spot. both my babies have had them. Carry your baby more. They will round out. lay your baby down during the day a lot - they will not.

vitamins - if you are breastfeeding, she's getting all the nutrition she needs, and if you decide to start solids (early) breastfeed around that (ie: BF first, solids after!) She should be PLAYING WITH HER FOOD AND experimenting with getting it to her mouth. Only. Not for keeping her asleep at night.

babies are not made to sleep 'through the night'. that's why being a parent is so hard. it's not going to get easier. why would the doc do this to a baby? It is only 'normal' for a formula fed infant to sleep through the night - and that is not safe. Read more on SIDS from La Leche and the SIDS site (can't remember it , sorry, sleep deprived!)

Read my past posts for more info, the baby needs a change I'm sure and I'm off!
Good luck,
Get out!
Happy Mothering!
M.

PS: GREAT FOR YOU FOR QUESTIONING THIS PED'N! Get your husband on board with your thoughts and do a little research, you will open his eyes.

Dr. Jack newman has a website - I like it just a little bit more than kelly mom.com

Don't know what to tell you on #1 but you got some good advice already.
on #2: I exclusivly BF for the first 7.5 months with both my girls (now 9 years and 26 months) they didn't want anything beforehand, and why push them to something they don't need or want! oh and BTW I am still nursing the little one in the evening time, now its more like snuggle time and snack! She refuses to drink cows milk
on #3: the big one slept from midnight to 8 am when she was 3 months old. the little one up until about 20 months woke up around 2 am for a feeding (from about 9 pm) and now she usually wakes up around 4.30/5am needing a diaper and wanting to snuggle. We were co-sleeping until she was about 20 months too. It was what we wanted (plus we then moved and had a room for her, before only a 2 bedroom appartment and the older one needed her sleep because of school!)
on #4: I supplemanted Vit D for the older one, not for the little one, cuz we were outside everyday to get sunshine and to pick the big sister up from school...
I wouldn't change docs, just next time let Daddy know to voice his opinions, or if possible go to the appointment yourself and let the doc know!
oh, I was told when my older one was 4 months old, that she weight too much and I shouldn't nurse her that much.... ignored that too! the little one, the doc didn't know wth he was saying (imo) on the 2 months checkup he said not to nurse her whenever she cries but to put her in the stroller and take her for a walk... on the 4months check he said to nurse her when she cries... (this is in Germany) Now we got a great pediatrician, takes his time with the girls, listens to me, listens to my older one, lets her ask questions...
Plus you never know if another doc isn't telling you the same stuff....
Take care
M.

Hi C.,
It seems to me that all these questions you should have asked your dr. All babies are different and it doesn't seem that this new dr. feels that way. I have two sons--a 3 1/2 yo and an 8 month old. Both my boys began solids at 4 months but that was because they were big babies when they were born. THis was on the advice of my pediatrician. If you don;t feel that your child is ready, then hold off. Parents know what their babies needs and wants are! As for vitamins, both of my boys began the liquid vitamin around 6 months old, and this was taken every day. As for sleeping, your baby will sleep through the night when she is ready. Don't listen to what the dr. said about that. I am sorry I couldn't be any more help but is there another dr in your area that people love?
Good Luck!
S.

If this is your third baby, why are you concerned. Just do what you did with
the others. As far as the flat head, because babies are not allowed to sleep
on their bellies, you have to be vigilant about changing positions and putting
them on their bellies during the day.

LOL!! Things have changed since my first 2 were babies... I've heard all this and more. Everything's different now! Do what works for you. Tried and true is the best remedy.

1- The head thing... my son's heads the same way. We never really did anything to fix it... he'll just look stupid if he ever wants to shave his head like his dad, no big deal ;)

2- Just a loose recommendation. Get a Boppy, stick her in it, see what happens with some rice cereal. This may help with # 3.... but don't worry about eating or sleeping if you're already not stressed about it ;)

4- New studys show there is no reason to wait until a baby is older/breastfed/WHATEVER; vitamins this early help teach the babys body to absorb the good stuff and nix the bad (thus helping with obesity later on)... This is a GOOD new rule ;)

Other than that, go with your gut!

1) I obviously can't say how flat your child's head is, but you are supposed to switch the direction you place them in the crib, since babies tend to put their heads in the direction that they can see out of the crib

2) Guidelines may have changed since your last child. It used to be solids were not recommended until 6 months (that's how it was for my now 4yo). There were revised to 4 months about two years ago.

3) Sleeping through the night is defined as 6 hours uninterrupted sleep, so if your daughter slept 8-2, she's fine.

4) Vitamins are recommended once they start solids. They should be taken every day. Never heard of any doctor ever recommending less than daily, and the directions on the vitamins even say to take them on a daily basis.

My advice for you is that if you have any questions or concerns, you address them with the doctor. If your doctor does not allow you to ask questions (i.e. did he not have enough face time because he didn't ask questions, or because the doctor ran out the door before he could?). I've also found that pediatricians sometimes tend to spend less time with "repeat parents" because they assume they have less questions than new parents.

Of course, you need to be comfortable with your pediatrician, but as for your doctor's advice, ASK them about it before assuming they are wrong. Pediatric care recommendations change so often, it is very possible that guidelines have changed since your last child - they certainly did between my 1st and 2nd, and they are less than 3 years apart.

I agree with pretty much everything you said, except the vitamin thing. I've *always* been told to give my EBFed babies (and I've got 3) a Vit D supplement.

Other than that, and the head flatness issue, follow your gut. As long as you're not doing anything to harm your baby (which it sounds like you aren't, of course) then take your doctors suggestions as just that...suggestions.

I think you have cause to be concerned or irritated. The practice we go to seems to say exactly the same things. I just ignore them and go with what I feel is right.
I started solids when I felt my baby boy was ready which was more like 5 1/2 months. I don't expect him to sleep through the night yet. Geez! A good 4-5 hour run seems like enough. He's growing- I think its normal that he wants to eat at night.
And they recommend a Vitamin D supplement which I think is silly. We just sit in the sun for 10 minutes without sunscreen. Its summer and its natural! (I don't think your body really absorbs the vitamin anyhow!).
You don't have to follow their advice. Just nod your head and then do what you feel is right.
Good luck!

Do what you know is right, and if you can find a doctor who is like minded, make the change.
With my 2nd, I didn't bother with infant vitamins. I couldn't see why he would need them. Solids - the AAP does not recommend til six months so your doctor isn't giving you research based recommendations. Breastfed babies should get no supplemental foods or fluids til six ,months. Sleeping through the night? This isn't a health issue, it's a parenting issue. Doctors have no training in parenting, they are giving your opinion or telling you what they did with their kids.
Some comments they make, you can just ignore. When I had my last baby, the new partner in the ped's office annoyed me. He was past six months and doc asked about food. I told her that I wasn't using that much jarred, mostly mashing up regular food with breastmilk. She told me you can just mix it with formula. Why would I do that, I asked, when I can use breastmilk. Well she tells me, I breastfed all four of my kids but mixed their food with formula, it doesn't hurt them. Ummm, it sure doesn't do anything to help them, and I told her, why would I purchase formula when I had 300 ounces of EBM in my freezer. That shut her up :)

These are recommendations; you can do what you want, so I wouldn't read too much into this.

The recommendations change over time. With our oldest, solids weren't even recommended until 9 months or so, then it was 6 with our youngest. I've heard it's gone younger now. As you say, no rush.

Your child should be sleeping a longer stretch at this point. By three months, I believe, they're supposed to be sleeping through the night. But every child is different. Our first was going from 7 pm to 6 am+ by 12 weeks; his sister had a mind of her own and wasn't anywhere near that at 12 weeks. If you're fine with things, then all is fine. Honestly, you're the one getting up at 2 am, not the doctor, so it's not a big deal.

Not sure about the vitamin recommendation, unless there's a deficiency?

Again, go with what you think is best. And keep in mind that recommendations truly do change quickly over time with doctors. Doesn't necessarily mean you're getting bad advice.

I know I'm late to the conversation, but here's my two cents...

Follow your gut. Advice is just that...advisory. Some advice makes sense; some doesn't.

As for sleeping through the night, my two breast fed sons were sleeping through the night (7:30pm to 5:30-6:30am) at six weeks. Except for times of illness, they've been sleeping through the night ever since. If you're happy with 8:30pm-2am, more power to you. I thank God every day my kids are such excellent sleepers. I'd go nuts, otherwise.

I think you may want to research a new practice. What everyone else in town thinks is immaterial. YOU have to trust the advice your doc is giving you or the relationship just doesn't work. On the flip side, do you think the doc will give you the best care (or just blow you off) if he believes you don't trust/believe in him? Yes, professionals should be above that, but we're all human, even doctors. My pedi is NOT someone I'd want to have an adversarial relationship with. It defeats the purpose.

Good luck!

I think your hunches are correct. I would not give solids to a 4 month old especially with all the food allergies. Most breast feed babies do not sleep through the night until they are at least 6 months old and I definitely would not give a baby vitamins or anyone else for that matter. Most are synthetic and our bodies do not absorb them that well. Real whole food nutrition when the time is right is best. Maybe it's time for another practice. Good luck!

I agree with everything you think. Solids at six months, don't be concerned about the flat head bit, sleeping through!!?? Pfft. She's getting all her vitamins a nutrients she needs from either formula or breast milk. Stupid doc. I think some of them just like to be smartypants.

My 3 1/2 month olds head is flatter on a side. Our pediatrician said to everyday a few times lie him on his back, turn his head the other way and hold it for 20 seconds each tiime to make it more flexible. he used to scream but he's getting used to it, and when he's in his bouner I always turn his head the other way he doesn't like. Also, if you are breast feeding he says that Vitamin D is the ONLY vitamin that doesn't get passed through to breastmilk. Unless he's formula fed he needs the extra Vitamin D. Our whole family takes alot of Vitamin D, we feel its more important than Vitamin C. We switched to this Dr. because we got recommended by a family friend. Our last Dr. was horrible. This spends an HOUR with us each appt. taking his time, going over EVERYTHING. Works out a vaccination schedule we are more comfortable with. We LOVE HIM. Take the advice you want but it did sound like your were a tiny bit closed minded on the Vitamin Part. Maybe the Dr. didn't explain it to you better, but the rest of the stuff follow your gut about.

I don't have any experience with the "bit flat" part. I would guess that once she is rolling around more it will even itself out. As for the solids, with my first I remember her pediatrician telling me to start her on cereal at 4 months, which I did. So I was a little shocked when our new pediatrician said to wait until 6 months with my second (now almost 9 months). I ended up starting her on cereal at 5 months. Ahh, sleeping through the night. I think it's different for everyone. I was very lucky with mine, first one was sleeping through the night at 6 weeks, second at 10 weeks, (I BF as well). But I know people who have 1 year olds that still don't sleep through the night. And the vitamins, I was told that babies who get I think 16 oz or less of formula a day need vitamins.

Each practice is a little different. I really liked our practice with my first baby but then we moved out of state. When we moved back nearly the whole practice changed (only one dr still the same) and we moved an hour away from the practice. So we're on our 3rd office now. I can't say that I love it but they've been okay so far.

If you're comfortable with the nurses/doctors I would say to stick around a little longer. We're not always going to do exactly what the doctor recommends, that is why we're the parents =) This is your 3rd child so you know the ropes. You probably know when to worry and when not to worry. So take a deep breath and trust your instincts!!

Each child and doctor is different. However, as for solids, baby's first foods start at 3months, 2nd foods 6 months, and 3rd foods at 9 months. Depending on the child's hunger level the first foods can be given any where between 3months and 6months. As this is your child #3 you can do what you feel is best for your child no matter if its starting your child on infant cereal to get the child use to it. Vitamins are not such a big deal just a little something extra to ensure your child is getting essential vitamins that are necessary. As far as the sleeping just rotate the child and your child will sleep through the night when ready. In the end all advice is just advice take it or leave it no matter if its from other mothers or doctors. In my opinion most doctors treat all like the same textbook no matter the age; they can't understand some may differ. Our children are 17 and 2, yes big age gap but wonderful. We made sure for #2 to interview several doctors and found one that is more of what we like to have as the pediatrician starting at the hospital. If you feel this doctor is treating your child as a standard patient then find one that better suits not only your needs but your child's. If you had an obgyn that you didn't like you wouldn't stay with them just because everyone else liked them. My advice...find someone else no point of sticking with a doctor you don't like or trust.

HMMM yeah I find some of the advice my doc gives is counterintuitive to me. I say do what you want. It all sounds fine to me. As far as her head being a bit flat, I have never had that problem (my peditrician would have said it's because I was holding my kids WAY TOO MUCH, lol) but I guess if you lay her at opposite end of the crib she will turn her hard to the other side more.

I would ask the doctor what she meant to do about the flat head. I know that if it is not taken care of the child can have a lot of problems later in life. Usually physcial therapy is called for. My son has torticollis, which can have a flat head effect, and I have been to a chiropractor who does cranial sacral therapy and it seems to be working really well. My ped said that you need to give the baby vitiamin D because there isn't enough in bm, but I don't know why. I agree with the other lady, and call and ask the doc your questions. Good luck!!

I agree... I would not start solid foods until closer to 6 months, especially if she is not sitting up well enough to eat.

Silly to say she is "supposed" to sleep through the night. What she probably meant (and should have said) is she COULD sleep through the night (i.e. she doesn't NEED the meals at night). But that doesn't mean that she has to sleep through the night at that point, only that she could.

I've never given my kids vitamins and, unless there was some problem with weight or some other issue, I wouldn't bother.

If you want to give the doctor another chance, perhaps ask more questions like "why do you think she should start eating at 4 months? I have heard (or my other doctor told us) that our children should wait until 6 months for solids." Or question why the doctor thinks she needs vitamins at this point.

I just read your follow up though and realize you were hearing this all through your Husband. I would take what he "thinks" the doctor said with a grain of salt. This is why I can never send my husband to any doctor appointments!

I think the advice the new doctor gave you is pretty standard, so no need to find a new practice. What I found by the time I had my third is that I have a lot of experience and can decide for myself what is best for my children. I waited to start solids until 5-6 months when I thought my baby was ready. From experience with my first two (where I felt like I had to follow the doctor's advice to a t) I knew that he wouldn't be ready or interested at 4 months. When my pediatrician asked me at the 6 month check-up, I just told him that the baby wasn't ready at 4 months so we waited. He said OK. So basically, just go with your gut on most things and you'll be fine.

This isnt your first rodeo so go with your instincts. Either question your doc on all of the above until he/she convinces you he/she's correct on the suggestions or look elsewhere for a pediatrician that you feel more comfortable with.
If you notice your baby favoring a side you have to tweak that for their own sake tho. Hold differently while nursing and make sure tummy time in in the agenda. Your doc, does he/she have kids of his/her own? Some pediatricians just dont know what the heck they are talking about if they havent had their own kids.

Some of the advice is pretty common. We started our twins on solids at four months per ped. They were fine. American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a vitamin D supplement for all breastfed babies. Your baby is sleeping through the night. Six consecutive hours is considered sleeping through the night.

You're right on all counts. Mild plagiocephaly generally corrects itself once the baby starts sitting up more. Tummy time is a good idea if that keeps her off that side.

It is generally not recommended to start solids until at least 6 months. Introducing it earlier can increase the risk of obesity, asthma, allergies, and diabetes.

It is totally normal for a baby not to sleep through the night until at least 1 year. My baby is almost 1 and last night was the first night she ever slept through. Normal. I also don't get why peds give advice about when a baby should be STTN ... it's not a medical issue. Waking in the night is developmentally normal for infants and is not a matter of health. Peds aren't infant sleep experts.

An exclusively breastfed baby may be given vitamin D from birth and iron from 6 months, although they're not strictly necessary, especially if your child gets some sunlight and high iron foods once solids are introduced.