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Infant Development. Routine and Care. Feeding. Feeding is more than just giving nourishment, it is a time for physical contact and learning about the world. Newborn’s feeding schedule is unpredictable and frequent due to small stomachs. They may eat 6-8 times a day
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Infant Development Routine and Care
Feeding • Feeding is more than just giving nourishment, it is a time for physical contact and learning about the world. • Newborn’s feeding schedule is unpredictable and frequent due to small stomachs. They may eat 6-8 times a day • Breast fed babies tend to eat even more than bottle fed babies. • A regular pattern will emerge at 2-3 months. They will wake and feed about every 4 hours. • When the baby gets to 12 lb they can sleep through the night!
Feeding methods • Breast milk is the most popular form of food for the first year. • Doctors recommend switching to cow’s milk by the first 1st birthday • When feeding a bottle to a baby • Hold the baby semi upright, never leave baby alone • Remember to support the neck • Head should be held up above to allow for digestion • Hold bottle at an angle, this prevents bubbles • Parents prefer warm milk, similar to breast milk • Never microwave a bottle • Throw leftover formula away
Burping baby • Babies often swallow air along with liquid • Burping baby allows this air to come out and prevents discomfort. Baby may not burp each time. • Burp baby at least twice, once during feeding and once after
Introducing new foods • You may begin introducing new foods to baby at 6 months, but wait for pediatricians permission to introduce solids. • Choose a time when baby is feeling well and happy or the experience may be bad and cause a picky eater. • Baby may spit back new foods the first spoonfuls so try reintroducing the food later. • Try warm foods, like a warm bottle for a smooth transition • Dilute solid foods like cereal just to prevent choking • Baby will be VERY MESSY!
Self Feeding • Babies will start to try to feed themselves at 8-10 months. • This usually aligns with being able to sit on their own • Encourage self feeding by giving them finger foods like cereal, fruit, etc. • Make sure you are only giving baby healthy food choices. Sugary foods can delay development and cause problems for babies growing teeth • Be patient and have fun with it!
Bathing baby • Baths keep baby clean and healthy and is another form of physical contact that helps baby to bond with parent. • Any time is fine for a bath except right after feeding. Baby needs to sleep and digest a meal at that time. • Newborns get sponge baths the first two weeks of life. After that a tub bath may be given. • It is vitally important that baby is NEVER left alone during bathtime.
Tips to bathing baby • Use a temperature control rubber ducky to check if water is too hot. • Use baby formula shampoo to prevent tears and irritation to baby’s sensitive skin • Use mild soap to prevent dry skin • It isn’t necessary to clean the inside of baby’s mouth, ears, eyes or nose. Nature takes care of it. • NEVER use Q-tips on the ears. • Make sure to cover baby up in a towel right away after a bath to prevent trauma and sickness.
Dressing baby • Make sure to only baby flame retardant baby items. • Make sure fabric is comfortable, preferably knit, and appropriate for the weather • Choose clothes that are easy to dress and that are affordable • Babies are squirmy and will not be patient • Babies grow out of clothes EXTREMELY fast • Babies are messy eaters and spit up a lot • Babies diapers aren’t always enough!
Sleeping patterns • A newborn may sleep 12-20 hours everyday. But they will wake up constantly to be cared for. • By one year baby has as few at two or three sleep periods, including naps • Put baby on its back, baby will move. • DO NOT cover baby in lots of blankets and keep stuffed animals out of crib during sleep time • DO NOT purchase baby sleepers, just recalled • Put baby to bed in calm, relaxing manner. • Babies love routines, so start one immediately.
SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS) • Leading cause of death for newborns up to 3 months • Unknown what causes it • Babies just stop breathing during sleep • Researchers say it is the brain getting used to controlling the respiratory system during sleep • No way to prevent it, just have to watch how your child is sleeping and prevent any situations where baby could suffocate
Diapers • Make sure to put baby on a safe and secure area • Never leave baby alone • Remove diaper and clean baby thoroughly using baby wipes, make sure they are made for babies to prevent skin irritation • Put on a fresh diaper that is the appropriate size for the baby. Diapers that are too tight can cause a rash • Dispose of any used supplies to prevent bacterial growth. • Always change baby as frequently as needed to prevent diaper rash
Review of Baby Development • Body Proportion • Motor Development • Hand-Eye Coordination • Sensory Development • Attachment and Separation • Learning and Language