We took Gavin to see Dr Lam today to get the second injection for his Triple Antigen vaccination. After the last two injections which ended with a screaming Gavin, I was almost dreading today’s appointment.

Last night, Gavin was smiling and laughing without a care in the world. It seemed almost cruel when we knew what was in store for him today. His aunt even said, “I don’t think you’ll be laughing or smiling after tomorrow…”

We were pleasantly surprised when Gavin took his jab with little more than a couple of muted cries. He was such a brave boy and I was so proud of him. Perhaps it’s just mother’s pride over her son’s courage but I don’t really want him being bullied in the playground for being a cry-baby when he grows older.

Although we could have elected to give Gavin the second dose of his pneumococcal vaccination today, we decided against it. We didn’t want to traumatize him beyond his tolerance threshold so we made another appointment in three weeks to return for that injection.

Dr Lam also gave Gavin a thorough examination and he came through with a clean bill of health. We were a little surprised when Gavin weighed in at 8.25kg since he only weighed 7.8kg about a week ago when we weighed him on digital home scales. According to the doctor, it is a little high but still nothing to be concerned at this point since a number of babies exceed the normal growth charts only to fall back in step with normal growth patterns when they hit toddlerhood. However, it makes me wonder whether they should consider revising the growth charts to reflect this rather than leave so many parent’s wondering if their babies are healthy.

Gavin’s head circumference is 41cm and his height is 63cm. These are also above average but to be expected since his weight lies in the 97th percentile of the growth charts.

A quick series of questions revealed that Gavin’s general development is progressing well. He is able to hold his head up; he is starting to look around at objects with avid fascination and a healthy bout of curiosity; he craves attention and wants people to talk to him all the time; he babbles a lot in his own baby language.

Dr Lam also reassured us on the few concerns we had with Gavin. Once again, it appears we have been unnecessarily paranoid over nothing. The persistent milia spot on his forehead will disappear in time without intervention. The “rash” or “spots” on his face are due to sensitive skin and need no treatment. The flat spot on the right side of his head will round out with time on its own. Gavin’s preference for his right side is just that – a preference. Gavin’s tendency to get “cross-eyed” is not a permanent sign of being “cock-eyed”.

On sensitive skin:

When Gavin was younger, he developed “rashes” all over his face and scalp for a couple of weeks before they cleared up on their own. Since then his skin had been as smooth as a baby’s bottom until he started drooling copious amounts of saliva. Now there are “spots” all over his cheeks, chin and forehead. No matter how often we wipe his face, it will only be a matter of seconds before it is coated with saliva and/or milk spit-up again. The “spots” on his forehead is due to the heat and his tendency to sweat whenever he feeds.

Since I have hay-fever, Dr Lam says it can be anticipated that Gavin, too, will exhibit allergies and his sensitive skin condition can be attributed to a genetic inheritance. Babies of parents who have eczema, hay fever or other such allergic conditions can expect to develop similar conditions. They may grow out of it or the conditions may persist throughout their childhood.

On “flat head syndrome”:

According to Dr Lam, it is normal for babies to develop flat spots on their heads due to the force of gravity because they are often lying down. As they grow older, learn to hold up their heads, turn, sit up, crawl and walk, these flat spots will eventually round-out with the continued growth of the brain.

On torticollis:

We have been concerned for some time that Gavin seems to prefer only his right side and hates it whenever we try to make him face his left side. We feared it might have been due to some developmental abnormality.

There is a condition that may present as such as it is called “torticollis”, more commonly known as “wry neck”. It is due to a spasm in the neck musculature that results in the head being tilted towards one side. Torticollis can be diagnosed by checking to see if baby can turn his head to the side and touch his chin to his shoulder. Torticollis must be diagnosed early for preventative treatment. If left undiagnosed, asymmetrical growth may be observed. Pathologically, Torticollis does not have any ill effects. The main concern is more of an aesthetic one.

Thankfully, Gavin does not have Torticollis. He only exhibits a preference for his right side. This can be countered by placing interesting toys and objects on his left side and making him face a boring blank wall on his right side to encourage him to look towards his left more often. It is not advised to physically force him to look to his left side because we need his cooperation. Forcing him only encourages his resistance against looking to his left.

On being “cock-eyed” – strabismus:

Contrary to popular belief, if you continue to cross your eyes, you will not eventually develop strabismus. This theory apparently doesn’t hold water. It is normal for babies to get cross-eyed when they are looking at objects that are close to their face, or if they are looking at their hands, or if they are about to fall asleep because the eye musculature becomes lax.

The doctor can check for strabismus if you are concerned that your child may have this condition.

Gavin’s next visit to the doctor will be in three weeks when he will get his second pneumococcal injection.

Popularity: 4% [?]