Year 10 Child Development Lesson 5 ~ Preparing for the Baby

Lesson Objectives During this lesson you will learn about the range of essential clothing and equipment needed for a baby. During this lesson you will understand about how important it is to prepare for a baby.

Choosing equipment The parents budget and lifestyle will influence the choice of equipment. It is always important for equipment to be kept hygienic and for it to be cleaned regularly. New equipment should have the correct safety labels.

Baby carriers Baby slings are strapped to the body allowing the child to be carried indoors and out. The slings ensure that the baby will enjoy the close physical contact of the parent They leave the parent/s hands free. Care should be taken to adjust straps correctly. They are suitable from birth.

Baby carriers Back carriers are suitable for babies who can sit unaided. Especially useful for outdoor use. The frame is made from light weight metal. They can have detachable bags, canopies or rain shields. They are carried on the back.

Prams, pushchairs, etc Brakes Good suspension Sturdiness Storage size Ease of adjustment Cost Weather resistance New or second hand Accessories available Ease of pushing and steering Manoeuvrability Versatility Comfort Ease of folding Handle height Weight Tyres and wheels Stability Style and colour Safety Age range Adjustable seat position Front or rear facing Town or country use.

Walking reins Walking reins should be used for toddlers They assist in control of energetic toddlers and prevent them from falling. As the child gets older reins can be replaced by a strap attached to the child's wrist.

In the car Sunshades protect from bright glare of the sun. Seat belt adjusters give extra room if needed to adapt to the car seat. Booster cushions should be used on children up to 11 years old. Seat belt cushions stop the seat belt rubbing on the child body. Bottle and food warmers are handy for a long journey. A range of car seats are available for different ages of children

Task! What sort of baby carrier would be useful if you wanted to keep your hands free whilst carrying a three month old baby? Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a baby carrier? What factors should be taken into consideration whilst choosing a new born baby pram? Explain when and how walking reins can be used!

Movement exercise and play Bouncing cradle are suitable for babies up to six months old. They are easily transported around the home. Toys can be attached on to the front of the bouncing cradle. They should only be used for short periods of time They should always be placed on the floor. Babies should never be left unattended in them.

Baby bouncer attaches to a door way or a stand. Allows the baby to move their arms and legs freely They can be used from approximately four months until the baby begins to walk. Babies should never be left unattended in the baby bouncer. Movement exercise and play

Play pens are available in different shapes and sizes. Babies can see out of them so they will usually play happily. Some babies dislike them because their freedom is restricted. Babies do not like to be left alone for more than a few minutes so they should not be left unattended for long periods of time in a play pen. Movement exercise and play

Feeding time Highchairs can be used from about six months old. They should be stable Have fitted safety harness Be easy to clean Have an adjustable tray with rounded corners. Some highchairs fold flat to save space. Some can be attached to normal table or chair.

Bedtime Cots can be used from birth. Babies should be placed in the feet to foot position to prevent SID. Bars should be 45mm-65mm apart. Should have child proof safety catches. Some cots have detachable sides for easy access. Some cots may convert in t o a child’s bed as the child grows. Adjustable mattress height avoids unnecessary bending. If a child can crawl out of the cot they should be put into a normal bed with safety sides. Moses baskets, carry cots and swinging cribs are only useful for a few months.

Bedtime Travel cots are useful when visiting people or for holidays. They are made from light weight metal and fabric They fold to a compact size. Some can also be used as a play pen.

Bedtime Pillows should not be used Duvets, cots quilts and baby nests should not be used under 12 months old as they can lead to over heating Blankets are best made from cellular, acrylic material which is warm and light weight. Sheets should be cotton, which is cool in the summer and warm in the winter All bedding should be washed regularly Cot mattresses should fit snugly in the cot with no gaps where the baby could become trapped. Some mattresses have ventilation holes at the head end. Whilst research continues into the link between SIDS and used mattresses some experts say that a new mattress should be purchased with every new baby.

Baby monitors These maintain contact between the parent and the child when they are not in the same place. Some electrical or battery operated transmitters and receivers can check the room temperatures Some can sound an alarm to alert the parent if the baby’s breathing stops. Special TV monitors can also enable the parent to see the child.

Task! Write an advice sheet for a new parent about buying a cot or any other equipment relating to keeping the baby safe at bedtime and play time. For example, look at all the safety aspects you need to consider before buying a cot and it’s bedding. You could also look into cost, hygiene, suitability and environmental issues. Finish off sheet for homework

Clothes Newborn baby clothes (layette) should be…… Lightweight Soft Non irritant Non flammable Appropriate for the weather Easy to put on and remove Easy to wash/dry/iron Newborn clothes shouldn’t have ribbons on them or open weave which may trap fingers.

Clothes Older children’s clothes should be……. Suitable for the weather conditions Hard wearing Easy to wash/dry/iron Fastened with Velcro or large buttons Elasticated waist Big enough to allow for growth and movement Brightly coloured/could be chosen by the child.

Shoes ‘Padders’ (pre-walkers) protect babies feet when they’re crawling. They don’t need shoes until they are walking. Feet should be measured regularly by trained fitters and when buying shoes, to make sure that the shoes fit well. Features of a good children’s shoe are that they’re lightweight, have no inside seams, have a low heel, flexible slip-resistant soles, adjustable fastening, and growing room.

Nappies Nappies can be disposable or reusable. Both types are available in a wide range of sizes. Over a period of time reusable nappies are cheaper even when you take into consideration of washing them every day. Traditional terry towelling nappies have to be folded and pinned, more modern nappies are shaped to fit and are fastened using Velcro. Disposable nappies are convenient, absorbent, east to use and store but are not environmentally friendly, because they are not bio-degradable

Terry Towelling Nappies Use the internet to find out how terry towelling nappies are put on to a baby. Write a step by step instruction guide, add images to help you explain.