Other Infant Care Skills

HPC 3OMarch 26th, 2013

Diapering a Baby

• You have choices!• Disposable vs. reusable• Young baby – 12-15 x a day• Older baby – fewer diaper changes• Diaper change: a time of interaction!

Supplies for Diapering

• Study, padded surface• Cloth diapers (sized) or disposable diapers• Wet washcloth• Extra washcloths• Soft tissues• Baby oil

How to Diaper

• Never leave a baby aloneSteps:1. Remove diaper and clean baby2. Put on a fresh diaper3. Dispose of used supplies

Washing Cloth Diapers

• Wash separately in the hottest water with a mild soap

• Regular detergent makes fabric rough• Dry in the sun

Diaper Rash

• Patches of rough, irritated skin• Treatment: change diaper frequently, clean

thoroughly, use products with zinc oxide and cod liver oil, expose diaper area to air and avoid waterproof pants

• Consult pediatrician if worse!

Sleep

• Newborn – 12 – 20 hours• Older baby – few naps a day• Active vs. inactive babies

Preparation for Sleep

• Wash face & hands, change clothes & diaper• Routine is essential*• Rock baby or sing for a few minutes• Calm and unhurried manner

Preparation for Sleep

• Put baby to sleep on back• Follow same routine every night• Talk to pediatrician regarding sleep problems

Crying to Sleep

• Some say, “cry it out”• Other say, “no, that harms the baby

emotionallly”• Middle ground is most preferrable

Bedtime Problems

• Active babies especially, become restless• Baby may wake up at night• Parents should let children learn to sleep on

their own• Crying baby requires immediate attention

Understanding Emotional & Social Development

Comparing Emotional & Social Development

• Emotional development – process of learning to recognize and express feelings

• Social development – process of learning to interact with others and to express oneself to other

• How do they connect?

Attachment

• Babies have a need for physical contact – huddling, cuddling, rocking or being near

• Parent – child bond – attachment• Chicken-wire mothers example (Harry Harlow)• Mary Ainsworth’s experiment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTsewNrHUHU

Attachment

• Imprinting in swans, ducks, chickens and geese (ex: goslings)

• Young babies can feel loneliness• Failure to thrive as a result of lack of attention

and love

Psychology & Infant Development Video

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq6lDRZteb0