1. Caring for an Infants Physical Needs Child Development I

2. Physical Needs  Physical needs include eating, clothing, sleeping, bathing, & play.

3. Feeding  First foods should be liquid (breast milk, formula)  Later infants will eat milk plus cereals  Around 6 months infants can transition to solid mashed, pureed or strained foods  Next, they may eat two or more ingredients combined  Finally small textured foods

4. Feeding  Starting solid foods too early may cause intolerance or allergies  Some solid foods may be high in calories or sodium  Always have a feeding schedule  Wait 4 to 5 days before introducing new foods (can determine likes, dislikes, intolerance, or allergies)  Avoid large pieces of food (choking hazards)  Child may wean from breast by 18-24 mths  Wean to a cup by 12 mths (cows milk)

5. Feeding  Allow the infant to self feed with soft finger foods (12 months)  Can eat from a spoon by (6 months)

6. Clothing  Infants grow quickly  2 pieces allow caregiver to change diapers easier, one pieces are neater  Soft, no cords or strings, fire retardant  Shoes are not needed until baby begins to walk.  Choose stretch knit garments  Change diaper often

7. Bathing  Begin tub bathing as soon as the navel heals  Only fill tub with about 3 inches of water  Test water on your wrist

8. Sleeping  Usually infant will sleep through the night by 12 weeks  If they wake during the night, quickly comfort and put back to sleep  Put baby to sleep on his/ her back to avoid SIDS

9. Play  Play is necessary to stimulate a child's learning  Increase motor skills  Provide socialization