How to Care for an Infant

Feeding Basics

• 1

  Feed the infant 2 to 6 ounces of formula or breastmilk every 2 to 3 hours or when he/she shows signs of hunger. As the baby grows, he/she will require more ounces and will also eat less often once he/she eats greater amounts at each feeding. Burp the baby after every 2 ounces or so.

• 2

  Feed the infant Stage 1 pureed baby foods sometime between 4 to 6 months. At first, the baby will probably only consume one jar per day, but as they grow they will need more food and eventually eat 3 meals per day plus 2 snacks.

• 3

  Feed the infant table foods beginning at about 10 to 12 months. At first, table foods should be offered in small, bite-size pieces to prevent choking.

Safety Concerns

• 4

  Put the baby in an infant car seat whenever traveling in an automobile. Car seats are required by law and are necessary to insure the safety of infants who are involved in traffic accidents.

• 5

  Never leave a infant unattended in a bath tub.

• 6

  Handle infants with care and always support their heads when they are too young to hold their own heads up.

• 7

  Consult a doctor if the infant develops a fever of over 100.4 degrees F.

Clothing, Bathing and Hygiene

• 8

  Dress the baby comfortably and appropriately for current weather conditions. Generally, babies should dress just like their caregivers. If you need a sweater, then they do as well. In summer months, most babies are content in t-shirts and onesies. During winter months, babies will require long-sleeved sleepers and other warm clothing items.

• 9

  Bathe the newborn infant fully at least 1 to 2 times per week. Once they start crawling, though, baths will probably be needed daily.

• 10

  Trim the infant's nails weekly so that they will not be able to scratch themselves.

Diapering and Rash Treatment

• 11

  Change the infant's diaper when they become wet or soiled. Most babies go through about 8 to 10 diapers per day. Some babies will have a bowel movement after every bottle or breast feeding session.

• 12

  Wipe the infant thoroughly with baby wipes at each diaper change.

• 13

  Treat rashes as needed. If redness or a rash is present, diaper rash ointment should be applied to the baby's bottom until the problem clears up. Often times, diaper rash occurs when an infant is taking antibiotics.

Sleep and Emotional Needs

• 14

  Provide a comfortable and consistent place for the infant to sleep. Some parents may choose to put the baby to bed in a bassinet or crib while others will prefer to cosleep. Co-sleeping can be a good experience for mother and baby, but it can also be potentially dangerous because of suffocation risks. In addition, many infants sleep better when they are swaddled because it helps them to feel more secure.

• 15

  Understand that a newborn typically sleeps 16 to 20 hours per day. By 3 months most babies sleep about 15 hours per day. By 6 months, some babies will be sleeping through the night, but not all babies. At this age some babies will wake up to eat and some will wake up just because they are experiencing separation anxiety.

• 16

  Meet an infant's emotional needs daily. It is nearly impossible to spoil a newborn or young infant. They need to be held and cuddled. They also need interaction with caregivers. Infants will enjoy hearing lullabies and rhymes even at a very young age.