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Newborn infants require around the clock attention to meet their basic needs. Get as many people as you can to help out. Grandparents can be a great resource to help with infants. If they are retired and close by they may be able to come over and hold your child. Remember that nurturing a child is necessary for them to develop empathy for others.
1. Check to see that all of the child’s needs are being met.
2. Put the infant in a wearable carrier.
3. Take the baby outside or for a walk around the block.
4. Take the infant on a ride in the car.
5. Play 60 beat per minute music in a dark room if you think that they need to sleep.
6. Take slow even breaths holding the baby close to your chest.
PROS:
Pacifiers can help soothe a fussy or upset infant, providing a temporary distraction and calming effect.
Pacifiers may help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome when used during naps and bedtime.
Sucking on a pacifier may help premature babies develop stronger sucking skills, which can be beneficial for feeding.
CONS:
Prolonged pacifier use increases the risk of dental problems such as misaligned teeth. Note: Using sippy cups with a stopper in the lid can do this too.
Pacifier use can become a habit that’s difficult to break, leading to potential issues later on.
1 year olds are able to cry with a pacifier in their mouths.
Pacifier use is generally good for young infants. However, it is helpful to be fazed out around 6 to 8 months of age so there will not be any issues later on.
Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both mothers and infants.
Benefits for infants:
Breast milk is a complete source of nutrition for infants, providing all the necessary nutrients for growth and development.
Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune-boosting compounds that help protect infants from infections and illnesses. It reduces the risk of respiratory infections, ear infections, diarrhea, and more.
Breastfeeding has been linked to lower rates of SIDS.
Breastfeeding may have long-term health benefits for infants, such as reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Benefits for mothers:
Breastfeeding can help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly, and may reduce the risk of postpartum bleeding.
Breastfeeding releases hormones that can help the mother bond with her baby and promote feelings of relaxation and calm.
Breastfeeding has been linked to a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as lower rates of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Breastfeeding is way more cost-effective than formula feeding.
Before pumping breast milk, mothers should write the date and time on the bag of milk. So their infant can be given the milk at the same time on a different date. This helps with their circadian rhythm and sleep cycle.
When the mother decides to stop breastfeeding, it should be done gradually to eliminate discomfort. Mothers can do this by reducing the number of feedings or pumping they do. They can remove 1 feeding per week when they are ready to stop producing milk. Occasionally a mother’s milk can dry up as the child eats more regular food and does not need as much milk as they did before.
Using the paced bottle feeding strategy helps prevent overfeeding.
How to do it…
Hold the baby in a semi-upright position, with the bottle held horizontally and the nipple filled with milk. Touch the nipple to the baby’s lip or cheek. Allow them to take the nipple into their mouth at their own pace. Hold the bottle steady, but not tipped up or down, to allow the baby to control the flow of milk. Pause frequently during the feeding to allow the baby to rest, burp, and swallow. This can also help the baby recognize when they are full. Holding your child while feeding them also helps create a secure attachment with them.
Note: Infants should not be put to sleep with a bottle. Drinking while laying down can cause ear infections, tooth decay, and choking.
Many infants are ready to start solid baby food around 6 months of age. They may be ready for solid food when they can sit up without support.
Start with a single-ingredient, iron-fortified cereal mixed with breast milk or formula. Rice cereal is often recommended as it is easy to digest and less allergenic than some other grains. Use a small spoon to offer a small amount of cereal, and allow your baby to explore the food and take their time eating. Gradually increase the amount and variety of foods, starting with pureed vegetables and fruits, and then introducing protein-rich foods like meat, fish, and legumes. Offer new foods one at a time, waiting a few days between each new food to watch for any signs of an allergic reaction. As your baby becomes more comfortable with eating, you can gradually increase the texture and consistency of the food, moving from purees to mashed and chopped foods.
It’s important to remember that breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of nutrition for your baby during their first year, and that solid foods are meant to supplement rather than replace milk or formula.
Infants have special dietary needs as follows…
Since it can cause infant botulism, babies under 1 year old should not be given honey.
Children that are 1 year old are supposed to drink whole milk because they need the extra fat for brain development.
The following foods are choking hazards:
Hard candy
Marshmallows
Tortilla chips
Popcorn
Raw baby carrots
Cherry tomatoes
Apples
Grapes
Raisins
String cheese
Hot dogs
Tough meats
Nuts
Peanut butter
If you want to serve the fruits and vegetables listed above they should be cuts into pieces that are ¼ of an inch or smaller in size.
The startle reflex is one of the reflexes a person is born with. It happens when someone is asleep then suddenly wakes up. It can happen when a caregiver puts an infant down for a nap after they have fallen asleep. Using a snug sleep sack can help keep your baby asleep.
Infants under 1 year old should sleep alone (without any toys, blankets, or pillows), on their back, and in a crib.
Safe sleep trainings state that cradles should not be used for infants.
Infants should be placed on their backs when they are sleeping to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. However if they roll over in their sleep, safe sleep trainings state that it is okay to leave them in different position.
Tummy time is an important activity for infants because it helps them develop their neck, back, and shoulder muscles. It prepares them for crawling and other developmental milestones. Here are some ways to do tummy time with your baby:
Place your baby on a flat surface such as a blanket on the floor. Make sure the surface is clean and free of any objects that could be a choking hazard. Get down on the floor with your baby and engage with them. Use toys, books, or other objects to encourage them to lift their head and look around.
Hold your baby on your chest while you lie on your back or recline on a chair or couch. This position allows your baby to lift their head and look around while feeling the comfort and security of being held by you.
Place your baby across your lap, supporting their chest with your hand or forearm, and gently rock or bounce them.
Use a nursing pillow or rolled-up blanket to prop your baby up on their tummy, making sure their arms are forward and not tucked under their body.
Gradually increase the amount of tummy time your baby gets each day, starting with just a few minutes and working up to several sessions of 20-30 minutes throughout the day. Remember to always supervise your baby during tummy time and stop if they become upset or tired.
Starting childcare for the first time can be a difficult process.
Here is some information that may help…
There are government assistance programs, such as DCF, to help low income families cover the cost of childcare. However, not all childcare providers accept government assistance.
Check childcareaware they have a search for families looking for childcare with openings in the United States.
Licensed childcare providers should have a contract explaining rates and terms of service for you to sign.
Many childcare providers use a CACFP food program. This is a federal program that helps pay for food served to children in care. Parents have to fill out the food program enrollment form to allow them to serve your child with free healthy food.
Every state has their own rules for licensed childcare, but some states require:
A form with basic information on it like your name and contact information.
The child’s immunization record.
A health assessment.
Authorization for emergency medical care. In some areas it may need to be notarized.
Many of these forms are also required to attend public school.
