Home and Careers: Child Development Exam

Until the baby has teeth and is able to chew food well what type of food should they eat?

Until baby has teeth and is able to chew food well, they should eat only pureed food. Pediatricians recommend starting with a bland rice cereal, followed by oatmeal and then barley cereals.

Why is tummy time important for infants?

Tummy time can help your baby develop a strong head, neck and shoulder muscles and promote certain motor skills. Tummy time can also prevent the back of your baby's head from becoming flat. Research also suggests that babies who spend time on their tummies crawl on their stomachs earlier than babies who don't practice tummy time. The more time babies spend on their tummies, the earlier they might begin to roll over, crawl on their stomachs, crawl on all fours and sit without support.

How should a baby be dressed?

Use the way you are dressed as a guide. In general, baby needs the same number of clothing layers as you have on. A hat may be an important accessory, to prevent heat loss through the scalp or sunburn.

How is vomiting different from spitting up?

Vomiting, unlike spitting up, is characterized by the forceful expulsion of the contents of the stomach. It is a symptom of gastrointestinal distress and may indicate an illness. Vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration, which is very dangerous for infants.

How often should you introduce new foods?

When starting baby on solid foods, introduce only one new food every 3 days.

How often does a baby need to be fed (with a bottle)?

A baby needs one ounce per hour. If they drink 4 ounces, therefore, they can usually wait about 4 hours before they eat again.

What is "failure to thrive"?

A baby that simply receives satisfactory physical care does not always "thrive". The child might be receiving enough nourishment, but does not gain weight. It may be indicative of an illness or lack of nurturing.

What is postpartum depression?

A condition where the mother may feel sad and depressed because of changing hormone levels after the birth of the baby. This is a common occurrence but it is also serious and requires treatment.

What is a cradle hold?

A cradle hold is a method to hold a baby when both arms of the caregiver are being used, and supports both baby's neck and back.

Why shouldn't you prop bottles?

Babies choke more often when bottles are propped. They also fall asleep with milk in their mouth, promoting gum disease and tooth decay.

Other than nutrition, what else does breast milk provide you?

Breast milk also provides nurturing - The physical closeness helps your baby bond with you and feel more secure.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants, with perfect mixture of vitamins, protein, and fat -- everything a baby needs to grow. It is more easily digested than infant formula. Breast milk contains antibodies that help a baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers a baby's risk of having asthma or allergies. Breastfed babies have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea. Breastfed babies are more likely to gain the right amount of weight. Breast milk plays a role in the prevention of SIDS. It is thought to lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.

What are some things you need to keep in mind while establishing a good bedtime routine?

Do not try to minimize daytime noises, such as vacuums, dishwashers, ect. If you always rock your baby they will come to rely on it.

What happens if the baby is unsupported?

If unsupported, baby's head could fall back, causing a case of whiplash.

What's the best way babies should sleep?

In an effort to reduce the number of children who died from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or crib death), physicians encouraged parents to lay their babies on their backs to sleep.

Why should you feed a baby on demand?

It provides baby with comfort as well as nutrition.

What do you do when baby wakes up at night?

Keep lights, noise and interaction at minimum. Delay reaction time to crying if baby has recently been fed and changed, to see if they will go back to sleep on their own.

Why is nurturing important?

Nurturing is important to growth, development, and thriving

How do you burp a baby?

Place baby in sitting position. Lean them forward, supporting their chin and chest with your hand. Pat their back in an upward motion. You may want to squeeze the cheeks of their face to open the mouth. Continue until you hear the burp of air.

What is tummy time?

Placing a baby on his or her stomach while awake and supervised.

How should you feed a baby?

Test the temperature of the milk by sprinkling a few drops on the back of your hand or the inside of the wrist. It should be lukewarm... not hot. Use caution if using a microwave to heat the bottle. The milk or formula is heated unevenly. Shake before feeding.

When holding a baby, why should you support its head?

The baby's head is large in proportion to the rest of its body and the baby's neck muscles are weak. It is very important to support the head for about the first three months.

What is shaken baby syndrome?

The result of shaking a baby. Never shake a baby! They can be seriously and permanently injured or even die from the trauma to their brains. If you are feeling frustrated because of a baby crying - put them somewhere safe and walk away until you calm down.

Why do you need to burp a baby?

They sometimes swallow air.

What is a good sleeping habit?

You can help your baby establish good sleeping habits by developing a bedtime routine.