In Sickness and Health: Infant Developmental Milestones

When should a baby start crawling? Every baby is different! However, most babies begin to crawl between 6-12 months.

Can I place a baby in a swing seat? Yes, but only for short periods of time, and she still needs attention from you while in the seat.

What can I do to help babies develop? Provide lots of love, nurturing, and face-to-face interaction with each and every baby.

Safety First: Diapering Safety and Sanitation:

How many wet diapers should a baby have each day? Six to eight wet diapers.

Which is better ­ cloth or disposable diapers? There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Should I use cream or powder to prevent diaper rash? Never use powder on a baby. Only use cream if the parent has requested it and provided it for their child. Follow the same procedures as for administration of any other medication in childcare.

Nutrition Action: Bottle Feeding

Why is breast feeding the best nourishment for infants? Breast milk contains antibodies from the mother to help fight infection, is easier for babies to digest, and is bacteria-free.

True or False: Infants should not have regular cows milk until there are at least one year of age. True

True or False: It is okay to warm bottles in the microwave, as long as you shake the bottle. False

True or False: An infant only needs breast milk or formula the first few months of life ­ no water or juice. True

Medicine Chest: Infant Crying

Why do babies cry? It is their only way to communicate. Crying may be caused by hunger, discomfort, loneliness, fatigue, illness, or other reasons.

What is colic? Colic is the term used when babies cry for long periods of time every day, regardless of the comfort measures used. Crying lasts more than three hours a day, 3-4 days a week, and typically occurs the same time every day.

Should you let a baby cry? No! When a baby cries, you should quickly try to find out what is wrong and comfort him or her.

Health and You: Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever!

Can a flu shot cause the flu? No. The vaccine does not contain whole virus and cannot cause the flu.

Does eating too much sugar cause diabetes? No, although it can lead to obesity, which is a risk factor for diabetes.

Does sugar cause hyperactivity in children? No.