And changing diapers

 Infants:  Lets them know they’re not alone  Allows them to bond with you  Comfort  Tells them that you care and good for emotional development  Learns by example of touch  Good to do infant massage

1. From the top of your baby’s head to his neck 2. From his neck across his shoulders 3. From his upper back to his waist 4. From his thigh to his foot and back to his thigh, on each leg 5. From his shoulder to his hand and back to his shoulder, on each arm

 how to change how to change  how to hold a baby how to hold a baby  how to swaddle how to swaddle

 Lay a blanket on a flat surface like a diamond and fold down the top corner about 6 inches to form a straight edge.  Place your baby on his back so that the top of the fabric is at shoulder level.  Bring your baby's left arm down. Pull the corner of the blanket near his left hand over his arm and chest, and tuck the leading edge under his back on his right side.  Twist or fold the bottom end of the blanket and tuck it loosely behind your baby, making sure that both legs are bent up and out from his body, his hips can move, and his legs can spread apart naturally.  Bring your baby's right arm down. Pull the corner of the blanket near his right hand over his arm and chest, and tuck the cloth under his left side.

Toddlers:  They need reassurance that where their brains are taking them to is safe.  They need explanations for the new experiences they don't understand.  They need holding and nurturing so they feel safe and can go back out there and explore some more.

 how to hold a toddler how to hold a toddler