1. CARING FOR INFANTS

2. Handling – for physical care and emotional bonding  Head and neck support  Neck muscles cannot support the head  Always keep 1 hand supporting baby’s neck and head  Shaken Baby Syndrome  Usually a result of frustration and anger  Can cause brain damage, broken bones, or death  Put baby in a safe place until you are calm; ask for help

3. Sleeping – important for growth and repair of the body  Routines  Help baby settle down to sleep  Usually includes a bath, reading a story, and gentle rocking  Newborns will fall asleep as need  Put older babies down for regular naps  Proper position  Be sure crib is free from stuffed toys and other suffocation hazards  Remember: BACK to sleep!

4. Feeding – nutrients for growth and social development; on demand  Breast  Contains all needed nutrients and antibodies  Germ-free and easy to digest  Fewer ear and respiratory infections; fewer allergies  Mother may need help in learning the best to hold the baby and get the baby to eat  Milk may be expressed and fed by a bottle if needed

5. Feeding, cont.  Bottle  Mother may be unable to breast feed  Allows father and others to bond with baby during feeding times  Formula specially made to meet nutritional needs  Formula and bottles must be properly prepared  NEVER warm in a microwave  NEVER prop  Discard any formula the baby does not finish due to bacteria

6. Feeding, cont.  Burp  Twice during a feeding  Pat gently  Protect your clothes!  Introduction of solid foods  4-6 months of age  Usually begin with cereal  Introduce new foods one at a time  Allergies  Sign of allergy in baby may be excessive fussiness, vomiting, 8 or more watery stools  Breast feeding mothers must avoid foods that baby is allergic to  Allergies to eggs, milk, and soy are usually outgrown

7. Dressing  Comfort  Garments should be comfortable and stretchy so that baby can move easily  Look for designs that make it easy to dress baby and change diapers  Climate appropriate  Dress baby in 1 layer more than an older child or adult

8. Bathing – for cleanliness and good health  Sponge bath  Given until navel heals  Tub bath  Sink or portable bathtub until baby can sit  Preparing for a bath  Gather all items needed  Test the water temperature  Stay with baby at all times  Was the baby’s face, hair, and then body  Wrap baby quickly in a towel to prevent chilling

9.  Cradle Cap  Yellowish, crusty patches on the scalp  Usually disappears in a few weeks or months  Wash with a mild shampoo

10. Diapering  Disposable  Convenient  Keep baby drier  Baby may develop a sensitivity to disposables  Not environmentally friendly  Cloth  Most economical if washed at home  More costly than disposable if provided by a diaper service  Environmentally friendly

11. Steps in Changing a Diaper  Make sure you have all needed supplies  Remove diaper  Clean baby wiping from front to back  Hold baby’s ankles and slide clean diaper underneath baby and between legs  Fasten  Put baby in a safe place  Dispose of used supplies

12. Teething – primary teeth  Pain and relief  Gums swell and become tender  Baby may be fussy, drool, have a low-grade fever and want to chew on something hard  Massage gums, provide teething ring  Care of teeth  Clean with a soft cloth or brush gently  Provide fluoride after six months of age (water)  Propped bottles can cause milk to pool around teeth and cause decay

13. Well Baby Check-ups  Purpose of wellness visits  To make sure baby is growing and developing  At some visits baby will receive immunizations  Visits usually scheduled at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months  Signs of illness  Irritability--Lack of energy  Constipation--Nasal congestion  Persistent cough--Diarrhea  Rashes--Vomiting  Fever