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