Safety and CareCARE FOR BABIESPRACTICAL CARE EXPERIENCES

Overview

This slide show will provide you with an overview of information on the following topics relating to the physical needs of babies, which include: Nappy Changing & Toileting Food / bottle Preparation Sleeping Wrapping techniques

Handout: Babies

In your role as an Educator, you may be required to work with the infants/babies at your service. If you are caring for babies one major task will be:Nappy changing & toileting

Nappy Change and Toileting Areas

Nappy change and toilet areas need to include: change mat/s that are able to be appropriately

cleaned between each nappy change disposable products such as gloves, toilet paper,

tissues, wipes, hand towels nappies- cloth or disposable and nappy fasteners cleaning products correctly diluted and out of

children’s reach locks/doors to keep older babies out of the area potty or toilet adapter seat and stool sink for hand washing bins to dispose of nappies and other waste.

Food preparation

Food preparation areas need to include:

eating areas for older babies- high chairs or tables/chairs

heating appliances (for example oven or microwave) in an area that is not able to be accessed by older babies

refrigerator for keeping milk, medicines and foodstuffs spoons, plates and other appropriate eating utensils provision for cleaning, washing up and sterilizing.

NUTRITION FOR BABIES

‘Baby Feeding Chart by Age’ Discuss handout

Breastfeeding

Breast milk provides all of the food and fluid an infant needs for around the first 6 months – no extra water is needed.

Breast milk provides at least half of an infant’s nutritional needs from 6 to 12 months of age. Solids should supplement breastfeeding and not replace it.

If feeding expressed breast milk, supervise infants during a feed – do not leave them unattended with a bottle.

Heat expressed breast milk in a container of warm water – do not microwave.

Infant formula

Commercial infant formula is the only safe replacement for breast milk in the first 12 months – cows’ milk should not be used as a drink until 12 months of age.

Infant formula should be made up according to the instructions on the container. Prepare one feed at a time in the bottle or cup, using cooled boiled water.

Supervise infants during a feed – do not leave them unattended with a bottle.

Heat infant formula in a container of warm water – do not microwave.

Introducing solids

Introduce appropriate solid foods at around 6 months of age.

Introducing solids too early can result in infections, and increase the risk of food allergy development and poor growth.

Babies require breastmilk/formula in addition to solid foods up to 12 months of age.

Start introducing solids when baby shows interest in food and can sit up with some support.

Start with iron-rich foods, such as baby rice cereal, followed by a range of healthy foods. Most babies will not have any problems with new foods, but watch for reactions such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or rashes.

Sleep patterns and routines

Newborn babies can take 6-10 weeks or even longer to develop a regular sleep pattern.

When preparing babies and toddlers for sleep it can be helpful to follow a routine that lets them know it’s nearly time to go to sleep.

Here are some of the things that can be done.

Sleep patterns and routines

Where possible allow the children to sleep in the same place each day.

Make the room relaxing and inviting, so the children feel comfortable and able to go to sleep easily.

Keep the room ventilated and at a comfortable temperature.

Give the children quiet time before sleep. Read or tell them a story so they can relax and feel calm.

Make the room darker and play soft relaxing music.

Sleep Routines

All babies have their own individual sleep times and routines e.g. Sleeping in a hammock, in mother’s arms, carried in a sling, prams, indoors/outdoors......Find out each child’s preference.

Do you have a routine when you are preparing for sleep? Do you relax by taking a bath, having a warm drink or reading?

Sleep Patterns

Newborn babies don’t have regular sleep patterns. They usually take up to 6 to 10 weeks to develop some type of pattern. Some take longer. They may sleep for between 12 and 20 hours a day. They usually need 4 to 6 sleep periods in 24 hours.

Around 3 months, babies may begin to sleep through the night, although many may continue to wake once or twice during the night.

Sleep Patterns

By 6 months babies have developed a predictable sleeping pattern. Babies in this age group usually sleep for a round 12 to 16 hours out of every 24 hours. By 8 months, a high percentage of babies sleep through the night and only require 2 or 3 naps a day.

By 12 months of age, babies are often down to only one day time nap of 1 to 3 hours and a night time sleep of around 12 to 14 hours.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome(SIDS) is marked by the sudden death of an infant that is unexpected by medical history, and remains unexpected after a thorough forensic autopsy and a detailed death scene investigation.

The cause of SIDS is unknown but an infant is at the highest risk for SIDS during sleep, which is why it is sometimes referred to by the term cot death or crib death.

SIDS

How to Sleep Baby Safely: 1.Sleep baby on the back from birth, not on the

tummy or side. 2. Sleep baby with face uncovered (no doonas, pillows,

lambs wool, bumpers or soft toys) 3. Provide a safe sleeping environment (safe cot, safe

mattress, safe bedding) 4. Ensure a baby monitor is used in the nursery and

regularly check babies/infants in the sleeping area. 5. Put baby’s feet at the bottom of the cot, tuck in bed

clothes securely so bedding is not loose.

SLEEPING AND WRAPPING

There are many varied practices and beliefs relating to baby sleep and wrapping practices. It is important to respect these rituals. This will help to build a positive relationship with the child.

References

Birth to Big School – Karen Kearns

www.raisingchildren.net.auhttp://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

References

Raising Children network-http://raisingchildren.net.au/sleep/babies_sleep.htmlhttp://raisingchildren.net.au/nutrition/babies_nutrition.html

Get up and Grow –http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/phd-gug-directorscoord/$File/gug-directorscoord.pdf