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TSTS

Handling – for physical care and emotional bonding

Head and neck support Neck muscles cannot support the

head Always keep 1 hand supporting

baby’s neck and head Shaken Baby Syndrome

Usually a result of frustration and anger

Can cause brain damage, broken bones, or death

Put baby in a safe place until you are calm; ask for help

Sleeping – important for growth and repair of the body

Routines Help baby settle down to sleep Usually includes a bath, reading a

story, and gentle rocking Newborns will fall asleep as need Put older babies down for regular

naps Proper position

Be sure crib is free from stuffed toys and other suffocation hazards

Remember: BACK to sleep!

Feeding – nutrients for growth and social development; on demand

Breast Contains all needed nutrients and antibodies Germ-free and easy to digest Fewer ear and respiratory infections; fewer

allergies Mother may need help in learning the best to

hold the baby and get the baby to eat Milk may be expressed and fed by a bottle if

needed

Feeding, cont. Bottle

Mother may be unable to breast feed Allows father and others to bond with baby

during feeding times Formula specially made to meet nutritional

needs Formula and bottles must be properly

prepared NEVER warm in a microwave NEVER prop Discard any formula the baby does not finish

due to bacteria

Feeding, cont.

Burp Twice during a

feeding Pat gently Protect your

clothes! Introduction of

solid foods 4-6 months of age Usually begin with

cereal Introduce new

foods one at a time

Allergies Sign of allergy in

baby may be excessive fussiness, vomiting, 8 or more watery stools

Breast feeding mothers must avoid foods that baby is allergic to

Allergies to eggs, milk, and soy are usually outgrown

Dressing

Comfort Garments should be

comfortable and stretchy so that baby can move easily

Look for designs that make it easy to dress baby and change diapers

Climate appropriate Dress baby in 1 layer more

than an older child or adult

Bathing – for cleanliness and good health

Sponge bath Given until navel

heals Tub bath

Sink or portable bathtub until baby can sit

Preparing for a bath Gather all items needed Test the water

temperature Stay with baby at all

times Was the baby’s face,

hair, and then body Wrap baby quickly in a

towel to prevent chilling

Cradle Cap Yellowish, crusty patches

on the scalp Usually disappears in a

few weeks or months Wash with a mild shampoo

Diapering

Disposable Convenient Keep baby drier Baby may develop a

sensitivity to disposables

Not environmentally friendly

Cloth Most economical if

washed at home More costly than

disposable if provided by a diaper service

Environmentally friendly

Steps in Changing a Diaper

Make sure you have all needed supplies Remove diaper Clean baby wiping from front to back Hold baby’s ankles and slide clean diaper

underneath baby and between legs Fasten Put baby in a safe place Dispose of used supplies

Teething – primary teeth

Pain and relief Gums swell and become tender Baby may be fussy, drool, have a low-grade

fever and want to chew on something hard Massage gums, provide teething ring

Care of teeth Clean with a soft cloth or brush gently Provide fluoride after six months of age

(water) Propped bottles can cause milk to pool around

teeth and cause decay

Well Baby Check-ups

Purpose of wellness visits To make sure baby is growing and developing At some visits baby will receive immunizations Visits usually scheduled at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12

months Signs of illness

Irritability --Lack of energy Constipation --Nasal congestion Persistent cough --Diarrhea Rashes --Vomiting Fever