With a few supplies and a little knowledge, you can offer your infant a beginning that will encourage healthy brain development, positive emotional and physical growth. Significant time spent interacting, cuddling and offering age-appropriate stimulation engages your baby's mind and spirit for optimal infant development. Increase your understanding of infant and child development to give your baby the best possible start.
Breast is Best!
Breast milk is perfectly designed for an infant's physical, emotional and mental needs. There are over 400 known components in breast milk, most of which cannot be found in any type of infant feeding substitute. If breast feeding is not an option, parents should provide a carefully researched formula in the proper amounts. No matter which method you choose, Dr. William Sears advocates holding your baby close while feeding to provide the additional nurturing needed for her psychological health
Better "Bums"
Both cloth and disposable diapers should be changed as soon as they become wet or soiled to prevent skin irritation or discomfort. Remove all residue with a damp washcloth or cotton balls, patting the skin dry. Exposure to air each day reduces the risk of diaper rash or yeast infections. Apply a calendula- or zinc oxide-based oil or cream to help protect the skin before diapering. If the skin seems inflamed, consult with your pediatrician to rule out a yeast or thrush infection.
Splish Splash!
Keeping your baby clean will reduce common odors from diapers, spit-up and milk residue. Be sure to gently wash and dry folds in the necks, arms and legs with cotton balls or a baby washcloth. Babies who fear water may enjoy sponge bathing more than being immersed in a bathtub. Increase the baby's safety in the water through the use of a hand towel layer between your grip and the baby for increased traction and never leave the baby alone in the bathtub.
Sleeping Arrangements
To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, it is recommended for all babies to sleep on their backs. According to "The Baby Book" by Dr. Sears, babies who sleep with their parents may experience healthier sleep patterns and tend to have a lower incidence of SIDS than their crib-sleeping peers. The choice to share sleep with one's infant should only be practiced by parents who have researched this alternative and are dedicated to abstaining from substances which may impair their attentiveness.
To Grandmother's House We Go!
Caring for an infant during travel requires the use of a government-approved car seat placed securely in the back seat of your car. A baby in transit is never safe in a parent's arms, a baby carrier, or a seat-belt due to the force of impact that occurs in a sudden accident.
Infant Demands
Infants use crying to communicate their needs; responding to these needs teaches the baby that he can rely on his caregivers for help. Babies who are neglected in these areas can develop negative attachment patterns which can hinder them for a lifetime.
References
- "The Baby Book"; William Sears, MD, and Martha Sears, RN; 2008
- "The Attachment Parenting Book: A Commonsense Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Baby"; William Sears, MD, and Martha Sears, RN; 2001
- "Natural Family Living: The Mothering Magazine Guide to Parenting"; Peggy O'Mara; 2000
