Your baby's health: 4-5 months

At four months

• It's time for his last set in the current course of vaccinations. Like last month and the one before, he'll have two jabs, one in each arm, to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), Hib (an organism that can cause serious illnesses) and meningococcal C. He'll also have an oral dose of polio vaccine. Click here for more info about vaccinations.
  

• Few babies escape nappy rash. Avoid it by always changing your baby's nappy as soon as you think it's soiled. If he starts getting a sore bottom, let him have 15 minutes' kicking time without his nappy on at change time. Do this three times a day until the sore patch clears up, and use a barrier cream before you put his next nappy on. Consult your GP if it gets really severe.
  

• Sticky eye is common in young babies because the tear ducts aren't properly formed until six months. Clean the eye with cotton wool and cooled, boiled water, and wipe gently from the corner to the outer eye. If symptoms persist, see your GP as it could mean he has conjunctivitis and may need treatment.
  

At five months

• It's normal for a young baby - up to two or three months - to look as though he's cross-eyed sometimes, but if you think your five-month-old's eyes aren't quite in line, you should get it checked out. It's important to get a squint treated properly, as his long-term vision can be affected.
  

• Eczema is very common, and it tends to hit after four months. It will give your baby itchy skin, so you may notice him scratching and there may be dry or even raw-looking patches. Because of the rawness, the skin is more prone to infection, which makes it sore and weepy. Avoid soap, dress him in cotton and wash his clothes in a mild detergent. 

• Your baby will soon be on the move, so this is the time to child-proof your home. Crawl round on your hands and knees and look at where the dangers are. Typically, you're looking for cupboards he'll be able to open, pans he could pull down and power points he could push his fingers into.
  

For more information, visit www.netdoctor.co.uk/

Click here for info on baby's health checks 6-9 months
Click here for info on baby's health checks 9-12 months

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