Caring for babies

1. The New Baby

2. What A New Baby Can Do
3. The Needs Of A Baby
4. Crying
5. Feeding A New Baby
6. Breast Feeding
7. Bottle Feeding
8. Keeping A Baby Clean
9. Bath-time
10. Babys First Clothes
11. Nursery Equipment

The New Baby

Size measurements such as the weight,
length, and head circumference.

THESE MEASUREMENTS ARE TAKEN AT BIRTH.

Shape large head, short legs, the baby
appears plump at full term.

The umbilical cord is clamped and sniped, the
stump will dry out and form the belly button
with 1 week- 10 days.



The New Baby
Head The baby lies with its head to one side.

Hair - The amount of hair varies between babies,
some have lots, some a little, some have hair that
falls out and the grows a completely different
colour.

Skin born with a greasy white substance called
the VERNIX, which helps to protect the skin
whilst the baby is in the uterus.

MOST BABIES ARE NOT BATHED IMEDIATELY
AFTER BIRTH TO PROTECT THE SKIN FROM
INFECTIONS.
The New Baby
Birth weight - Low birth rates 2.5kg or less at birth.
This could be due to:
inherits small size
premature birth
shortage of food whilst in the uterus

Small for dates - grows more slowly
than normal, this is due to:
Multiple birth
Mother being poorly fed during pregnancy
Smoking / alcohol / drug addiction
Preeclampsia
Malfunctioning placenta
Problem with the babys development rubella
infection

Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia (pregnancy induced
hypertension)

Condition occurs only during pregnancy
Lasts 6 weeks

High blood pressure
Swollen ankles
Gaining too much weight

Regular checks can diagnose preeclampsia
early, steps can be made to prevent it from
becoming worse.

If allowed to continue mother can develop
epilepsy at the end of the pregnancy this
can be fatal to both baby and mother

Eye colour
Most Caucasian babies
are born with blue eyes
that may later change
to a range of colours.

Babies from African or
Asian parentage tend
to have dark brown
eyes, but there are
exceptions.

Babies of mixed
parentage can have a
variety of colours.


What a new baby can do
Reflexes
Sucking
Rooting
Grasp
Walking
Startle (moro)

Reflexes
disappear around
3 months

Replaced by
actions the baby
has to learn
The Senses
Sight 20 cm , mothers face whilst feeding, sensitive to brightness.

Touch Sensitive to touch, pain and change of position. Cry if bath
water is too hot. Comforted by touch from another. Held close or
cuddled.

Hear respond to sounds by blinking, jerking their limbs, drawing in
breath. Recognises mothers voice.

Smell sensitive to smell, unpleasant smell makes the baby turn its
head away, when the baby is near breast milk, it may try to get its mouth
to it to feed.

Taste sensitive to taste, mothers diet will effect what the milk may taste
like, e.g fruit, curry flavours. The more the baby is exposed to, the less of
a fussy eater it may become.
Sleep
A new born baby will sleep around 20 out of 24
hours, there are some exceptions!

Only waking to be fed, every few hours.

Babies vary, some will sleep for an hour, others
up to 5 hours, it depends on the baby.

Very young babies have no control over when
they sleep, it can be hard to wake them.

By 9 months sleep becomes more voluntary.

Many babies sleep through the night by the age
of 3 years.

They may continue to have short naps during
the day for several years.

SIDS- Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome
Lay babies on their backs to sleep
Place baby with its feet at the base
of the cot
Keep babies away from tobacco
smoke
Do not let babies become too hot
Seek medical advice if baby seems
unwell
BREAST FEED if possible

The needs of a baby
Warmth
Food
Shelter
Clothing
Protection from illness and injury
Fresh air and sunlight
Exercise and rest
Love and comfort
Continuity of care
Security to make the baby feel safe
Training in habits and skills
Stimulation from play to help learning
Praise and opportunities to develop self-confidence

Crying
Babies cry because of:

Hunger
Thirst
Discomfort
Pain
Tiredness
Dislike of the dark
Loneliness
Colic
Boredom

Soothing a baby

Rocking
Low tone
Soothing noises
Rhythm similar to that of a
human heart beat
Repetitive movement and
sounds


Feeding a new baby
Breast feeding
Breast Milk
Contains all a baby needs
90% water 10% food substances sugar, fat,
protein vitamins and minerals (including
salt)
Milk contains lactose (milk sugar) which is
less sweet than Sugar which contains
sucrose from sugar beet
Colostrum antibodies
Breast milk contains iron 6 months worth
Its free
It protects against SIDS, Certain cancers,
illnesses.

Breast Feeding continued
Its always at the right temperature
Its easy for the baby to digest and
absorb
It changes its levels of nutrients as
the baby gets older, and the babys
dietary needs change
Its clean and safe
Prevents nappy rash and
constipation
Its the most natural way a mother
can feed her baby, it should not be
considered weird or embarrassing.
Bonds of attachment
Its been around since the dawn of
time.

Bottle - Feeding
First milk and follow on milk
Mother knows how much the baby is taking
Other people are able to feed and therefore bond with
the baby
Mother can return to work
Baby can be fed anywhere, (embarrassed mothers)
Bottle feeding - disadvantages
All equipment must be cleaned and sterilised
Baby becomes thirsty, mothers feed more instead of giving
water
Baby can become over weight
Strong feeds can result in the baby taking too much salt
convulsions, coma, death
Teats need to be the correct size

Gastro enteritis inflammation of the intestines, can be
prevented with better hygiene when preparing bottles or
changing nappies

Keeping a baby clean
Hands and nails clean

Careful disposal of nappies

Washing terry nappies thoroughly

Regularly washing clothes and bedding

Regularly cleaning nursery equipment and toys

Not giving the baby stale food, or food that has been
kept warm in place for a few hours

Nappies Nappy Rash
Nappy rash is caused by skin being in contact with
faeces and urine

To prevent nappy rash:

Leave nappy off as much as possible, the fresh air
will help healing
Only use sterilised nappies
Change nappy regularly, as soon as it becomes
soiled
Use nappy liners
O not use plastic pants
Apply cream every time the nappy is changed

Bath-time
Warm room draft free, 2o degrees C
Warm water test with elbow / thermometer
Equipment at the ready, be prepared, washing
drying and dressing
Wash face with wet cotton wool
Wash scalp with water
Soap and shampoo only once twice a week
Remove nappy and clean bottom with wet
cotton wool
Add liquid soap before adding baby to the bath
Mothers arm around shoulder of baby, babys
head resting on her arm

Bath-time
Lift baby out and wrap in a towel, pat dry dont
rub, pay attention to creases in the skin neck,
knees, toes.
ALWAYS TURN TOWARDS YOU, NOT AWAY!
Apply nappy cream to prevent soreness.
Bath-time
Top and tailing

Clean babys face and hands
with warm water and cotton
wool, then dry.
Clean the bottom using warm
water with a little baby bath,
lotion or soap, and more cotton
wool.
Dry and apply nappy cream
Babys first clothes
Requirements for baby clothes must
be:

Loose and comfortable
Easy to put on and take off
Easy to wash and dry
Lightweight, soft and warm
Non- irritant
Porous
Flame resistant


Babys First Clothes
Clothing should not be tight around neck
No drawstrings or ribbons
Avoid loose knitted or open weave can cut off blood
supply to digits
Babies grow quickly
Several layers is better than one big bulky layer
Be aware that a baby can over heat indoors during the
winter, and that there are cold summer days
All clothes need to state clearly that they are fire
resistant
New parents have limited money , only buy essential
clothing as baby may only wear outfits a few times
before growing too big!
Out and about
Baby prams and push
chairs
Points to consider:
Weight, size, comfort,
storage, suspension,
swivel front wheels,
detachable seat, one or
two babies, combined
pram and push chair, cost?
Carrying the baby by
hand using simple
wraps or carrying
devices, leaves
parents hands free
Booster seats
for 15 36kg
(about 4-11
years) with
seat belt
In car baby seats, weighing
9-18kg, (about 9 months to
6 years)
It is illegal for a child to
travel in the front of
the car on an adults lap.
Nursery Equipment The Cot
The cot must have:

Bars that are 45-65 mm apart

A mattress that fits, with enough
space for the bed sheets to fit.

Most cots have one side that
drops down, if it does, the
catches need to be too difficult
for a child to tamper with.


The cot may also have a cot bumper.

A foam padded screen that fits around the sides, prevents drafts and
knocking of head
They are not recommended for babies who can sit unaided.
They should not have loops or ties that the baby can be entangled in.


Nursery Equipment
A Moses basket can be
used as a bed for a
young baby, the
handles enable it to be
moved easily without
disturbing the baby




Baby blankets are best
without gaps in them
where fingers and toes
can get trapped
Made from a fabric
that can easily be
laundered.


Baby nests enable the
baby to sleep in a
more natural foetal
position, the strap
ensures the baby stays
comfortable and safe
Nursery Equipment
Pillows are not
necessarily needed,
however if one is required
due to the baby having
breathing difficulties or a
cold, it should be;

Firm and not soft
Placed under the bed
sheets to prevent it
from moving
Other Baby Equipment
Baby floor
bouncers
Baby walkers
Baby high chairs,
used from around
6 months
Doorway baby
bouncers
All baby holding devices come with
straps to hold the baby in safely
All British products must pass the
British safety standard this also
includes al baby toys and clothes
Age stages
Perinatal 28
th
week to one month old

Neonatal birth to 4 weeks

Infant 4 weeks 1 year

Young baby first 6 months

Older baby 6 months to 1 year

Toddler 1 year 2 years

Pre school from 2 years 5 years