Infants and toddlers are very delicate in their early years while their bodies are still developing. Helping a baby to grow and develop properly can be tiring work. Above all, a baby's safety is the most important aspect when caring for an infant or toddler. Developing a bond, love and trust with a child when they are young is also an important aspect in child care.
Safety
You should never shake your infant up and down. This can cause damage to the brain as an infant's neck muscles cannot yet support its head. Put the baby in a safety car seat in the back seat every time you ride in the car. Never let your child play with anything that has the possibility of covering his face or anything his may try and swallow. Only feed your child the appropriate foods designated from your doctor early in the baby's life.
Development
One of the most important things to do is to monitor the development of your child. Speech is always one of the greatest milestones for infants and toddlers. Try to always talk to your baby. A baby is always listening to whoever is talk and will try and mimic what they have heard. Talking to her in short, clear and concise words to help coax your baby to mimic your sounds.
Sleep
Newborns and infants can sleep as much as 16 hours per day. Your baby will more likely sleep in stretches of three to four hours a day throughout the day. Try to establish a routine for your toddler or infant. This will help him to realize what times and where they are supposed sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against bringing a baby in bed to sleep with you for safety reasons.
Burping
Burping is one of the many reasons why your baby will cry. Hold your baby against your chest with her head hanging over your shoulder. Gently pat the baby's back with your other hand continuously until you hear your baby burp. Burp your baby about every 2 to 3 oz. of milk formula you feed them during the first six months after the birth.
Considerations
Keep your infant or toddler occupied and limit the amount of time they watch television. Babies and especially toddlers like to explore and learn new things about the world. Playing with your child or reading them a book will stimulate their mind more than watching television. Infants and toddlers can be very curious so you should child proof your house. Place any sharp objects out of the reach of your baby, and try to put protectors and gates in areas where you don't want your baby to go.
