0% found this document useful (0 votes)
8 views9 pages

Essential Infant Care Guidelines

The document provides definitions of key pediatric terms and guidelines for caring for infants, including breastfeeding, bottle feeding, diaper changing, and safety measures. It emphasizes the importance of observing infant health, recognizing signs of abuse, and understanding stages of childhood development. Additionally, it outlines the emotional and physical needs of children, strategies for discipline, and methods to foster self-esteem and prevent issues like diaper rash and tantrums.
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
8 views9 pages

Essential Infant Care Guidelines

The document provides definitions of key pediatric terms and guidelines for caring for infants, including breastfeeding, bottle feeding, diaper changing, and safety measures. It emphasizes the importance of observing infant health, recognizing signs of abuse, and understanding stages of childhood development. Additionally, it outlines the emotional and physical needs of children, strategies for discipline, and methods to foster self-esteem and prevent issues like diaper rash and tantrums.
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Definition of terms

[Link]-branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of infants, children, and
adolescents from birth up to the age of 18.
[Link]- a medical practitioner specializing in children and their diseases.
[Link]-a system of rules.
[Link]-action performed as the result of wrongdoing.
[Link]-any act that causes harm, using a substance to excess.
[Link]-solid waste material discharge from the body through the rectum and anus.
[Link]-having hard, difficult to expel bowel movements.
[Link]-abnormally frequent discharge of liquid fecal matter.
[Link] Cord-long, flexible, round organs that carries nourishment from the mother to the baby.
It connects the umbilicus of the unborn baby in the uterus to the placenta.
[Link]-developing infant in the uterus, after the first 2 months.
[Link]-oval, spongy structure in the uterus from which the unborn baby receives it
nourishment. Sometimes called afterbirth, the placenta is discharged from the mother’s baby soon
after childbirth.
[Link]-Small depression on the abdomen that marks the place where the umbilical cord was
originally attached to the fetus, belly button.
[Link]-removal of the foreskinof the penis by a surgical procedure.
[Link]-foreskin of the penis, often removed in a procedure called a circumcision.
[Link]-the release of air from the stomach through the mouth.
[Link] tubes-also called oviducts, through which an egg travels from the ovary to the uterus.
[Link] anomaly-a deviation from the normal, present at birth.
[Link] disability-ant condition that interferes with the normal development of a person.

Care of Infant : Reasons you may care for an Infant include:


[Link] mother is recovering from surgery.
[Link] mother is unable emotionally to assume the care of the child alone.
[Link] are many other children in the house.
[Link] child is ill.
[Link] child has been abused.

Carrying an Infant
[Link] support the child’s head.
[Link] the infant close to you.
[Link] not carry other objects while you are carrying a baby.
[Link] not hold an infant while you are talking on the phone or cooking at the stove.
[Link] not carry a baby into the dark room.
[Link] alert to basic household hazards.
[Link] alert while carrying a baby up and down stairs.
[Link] good supporting shoes with nonskid soles while you are carrying a baby.

Guidelines : Assisting with Breastfeeding


[Link] the mother to wash her hands before each feeding.
[Link] the mother with nursing aids such as breast shields or pumps.
[Link] decision to stop nursing is a personal one and will affect both mother and child.
[Link] the baby does not take the breast, have the mother stroke the cheek closest to the breast with her
nipple.
[Link] the mother as she learns the skill of breastfeeding.
[Link] the nipple is in the baby’s mouth, remind the mother to keep the breast tissue away from the
baby’s nose with one or two fingers.
[Link] milk drips from the breast not being sucked, clean the breast. This is normal.
[Link] remove the nipple from the baby’s mouth, the mother should break the suction by either
inserting her little finger in the corner of the baby’s mouth or pushing on her breast tissue near the
baby’s mouth
[Link] feeding routine and length of nursing will vary and should be decided by the mother and baby.

Guidelines :Assisting with bottle feeding using formula


[Link] sure that the formula is fresh and the bottles have been properly stored.
[Link] the mother wishes as to the temperature of the bottles when baby is fed.
[Link] should be held while they are given bottles.
[Link] the bottle so that the nipple is full of formula.

Guidelines : Storing formula :


[Link] opened container formula can be refrigerated for 2 days without spoiling.
[Link] formula will begin to spoil within 2 hours when left at room temperature. Keep the bottle
refrigerated until 10 minutes before the feeding.
[Link] refrigeration is not available, discuss this with your supervisor immediately, and she will arrange a
way to keep the formula safe.

Observing the infant’s stool


You will need to observe the infant’s stool or bowel movement at each diaper to detect constipation
or diarrhea. When you observe a change from what has been normal for you client, report your
observations to your supervisor and to the mother.
The bottle-fed infant will have stools that are yellowish or mustard colored. They will be lumpy but
soft. One to three bowel movements each day is normal for an infant who is bottle-fed every 3 to 4
hours. It is not unusual for the stool s of bottle-fed babies to look as if there are tiny seeds in them.
The breast-fed infant will have stools that are yellowish or mustard- colored, but the color may
change slightly and may appear to have a greenish tint, depending on the mother’s diet. The stool of
infants who are breast-fed will be looser and smoother than those of bottle-fed infants. A bowel
movement after every feeding or only once or twice a day is usual for an infant who is breast-fed
every 3- 4 hours.
Diarrhea in infants can be a serious problem and requires immediate attention. An infant with
diarrhea can become dehydrated within 2 days. You will see a change in the infant’s elimination
pattern and in the color and consistency of the stools when an infant has diarrhea. The stools may
appear green and watery, running out of the diaper. There may be a foul odor, and stool frequency will
increase as compared to the infant’s normal habit. Report to your supervisor at the first sign of
diarrhea, and encourage the mother to call the physician.

Guidelines : Changing Diapers


[Link] the diapers often.
[Link] the baby’s genital area each time you change the diaper.
[Link] you use cloth diapers, rinse the stool from them in the toilet before you put them into diaper pail.
[Link] you use rubber pants on top of cloth diapers, be sure the elastic is loose enough.
[Link] not use rubber pants over disposable diapers.
[Link] not flush disposable diapers down a toilet.
[Link] the baby’s skin each time you change the diaper for color, texture, and discharge. Report
any changes to your supervisor.

Guidelines : After Circumcision


[Link] the penis protected from rubbing on a diaper.
[Link] about bathing the child.
[Link] the penis clean and free of fecal matter.
[Link] for bleeding or drainage. Report these to your supervisor.

Guidelines : Care of the Umbilical Cord


[Link] the diaper folded down away from the cord.
[Link] your supervisor if you may use alcohol.
[Link] every diaper change, wash the cord with plain rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball.
[Link] pull on the cord. Let it fall off by itself.
[Link] give the infant a tub bath until the cord has fallen off.

Infant Safety
[Link] your hands before handling the infant or his supplies.
[Link] the infant on his side or belly after feeding.
[Link] only 1 to 2 inches of bath water.
[Link] place an infant in an infant seat on tables, chairs, beds, or counters.
[Link] all medications and cleaning solutions out of reach of all children.

Guidelines : Cribs Safety


[Link] slats of the crib should be spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.
[Link] posts must not extend any higher than 5/8 of an inch.
[Link] should be no cutouts in the headboard or footboard.
[Link] mattress must fit snugly.
[Link] sure the mattress support is securely attached to the headboard and footboard.
[Link] drop-side release latches should not be reachable by your child in the crib.
[Link] sure the drop-side latches securely hold the sides in the raised position.
[Link] drop sides, when lowered, should be at least 4 inches above the mattress.
[Link] to make sure none of the screws or bolts is missing and that all are secure and tight.
[Link] you buy bumper pads for the crib, make sure that they fit around the entire crib.
[Link] mesh cribs should not have holes.
Note: When your child reaches 35 inches in height or can climb or pivot over the sides, the crib should
be replaced with a bed.

Caring for a Child


Reasons for teaching family members
[Link] primary caregiver becomes ill or suffer a disability.
[Link] primary caregiver needs a rest from or assistance with the care of a child with an illness or
disability.
[Link] primary caregiver must be taught, by your example, how to care for the child.
[Link] primary caregiver must leave the house to work.
[Link] abuse or neglect has been reported or suspected.

Basic Needs of Children : Physical Needs


[Link]
[Link], rest, exercise
[Link] of pain.
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
Emotional Needs
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]

Children Under Stress


Everyone reacts to stress and change differently. Children are especially sensitive to threats to their
security and familiar routines. This is true both of children who are ill and those who are in homes
where there is illness. You may notice a child behave in a manner that is unusual, offensive, and
difficult to explain. You may notice:
[Link] to follow familiar household routines.
[Link], fear, withdrawal
[Link] behavior
[Link]
[Link] and fears
[Link] of the condition
[Link]
[Link]-wetting
[Link]
When illness is present in a home, many things affect the child indirectly:
[Link] restrictions
[Link] restrictions
[Link] conditions
[Link] fears
[Link] restriction

Discipline and Punishment


If you believe that a child deserves punishment, discuss this with your supervisor. Ask you work with
children, remember:
[Link] each child as an individual.
[Link] with the child the expectations related to his behavior or a particular task.
[Link] and praise children whenever possible.
[Link] positive suggestions.
[Link] the limits set upon the behavior before the child make a mistake.
[Link] mealtime a pleasure.
[Link] food the child enjoys.
[Link] parents to take an active part in making decisions.
[Link] not take sides in arguments.
[Link] that people separate during an argument before harsh words are said or physical
punishment takes place.
[Link] not be judgmental.
[Link] changes in family members.
[Link] changes in family activities.
[Link] feelings or suggestions and the objective happenings that lead you to your suspicions.
[Link] child abuse or neglect.

Your Role as a Homemaker/ Home Health Aide


Your role in each family will be different. Be sure you discuss your role with your supervisor so you
understand exactly what is expected of you. Usually, you will be expected to assume one or more of
the following roles:
[Link]
[Link] caregiver
[Link]
[Link]
[Link] caregiver

Child Abuse
Some Reasons for Abuse
[Link] abuser was also abused and learned this type of behavior.
[Link] abuser cannot cope with the stress of having children.
[Link] abuser is not the parent, but the parent is unable to stop the event.

Reasons Children do not Report Abuse


[Link] are ashamed.
[Link] do not know whom to tell.
[Link] do not know any other type of behavior.
[Link] are afraid the abuse will increase.
[Link] believe they deserve it.

Kinds of Abuse
[Link]-is seen when a child is beaten, tied up, and/ or burned.
[Link]-is seen when a child a scared, neglected, screamed at, not permitted to feel safe, or is
confined.
[Link]-exists when a child is forced to submit a sexual acts.

STAGES OF CHILDHOOD FROM BIRTH TO ADOLESCENCE


Stages of Development: Infancy
Age: Birth to 1 year old
Key characteristics or task of the age: Rapid growth; totally dependent on adults; experiences first
relationship; starts to distinguish the world through his senses.
Guidelines for Activities: Provide calm routine, taking into account infant’s schedule; encourage
family to participate in care; stimulation includes brightly colored objects held high or tied to crib,
music, different shapes and textures, swings, carriages, rockers; toys he can put into larger containers,
smooth objects that do not injure.
Stages of Development: Training Period
Age: 1 to 3 years old
Key characteristics or task of the age: Attachment to mother and regular and regular caregivers is
strong; begins independence and exploration; learns to say “no”; put everything in mouth; shows food
likes and dislikes; frightened of loud noises and absence of primary caregiver; can understand simple
honest explanation; may or may not share; usually starts to toilet trained by age 3.
Guidelines for Activities: Tell familiar stories again and again; do not lie, as the child does not know
fact from fiction; help child become familiar with objects that are part of his care; help toilet train as
the family wishes without punishment but with positive reinforcement; provide pull toys, balls,
stackable objects, mirrors, threads, large beads, windup toys.

Stage of Development: Love triangle


Age: 3 to 5 years old
Key characteristics or task of the age: Girls mature more quickly; discover sharing of friends and
parents; affection and jealousy apparent; irritation; attempts to please; assumes some of his own
personal care; assist with simple household chores; vivid imagination leads to stories; likes to use
familiar objects over and over; approval of family important; older children like to take active part in
care.
Guidelines for Activities: Activities with hands and crayons, simple puzzles; simple ball games and
tag; always give simple reasons for activities.

Stage of Development: Middle Childhood


Age: 6 to 12 years old
Key characteristics or task of the age: Peer acceptance important; easily embarrassed; asserts
independence and makes his friendships; secretive; argues with adults; growth spurts; 10 to12 sexual
curiosity.
Guidelines for Activities: Reasons for actions important; explain; give timeframe for schedule;
provide scientific play, jigsaw puzzles, table games, board games, electronic and video games, music,
puppets, sewing and crafts, model building.

Stage of Development: Adolescence


Age: 13 to 18 years old
Key characteristics or tasks of the age: Rapid change physically and emotionally; sexual
development; mood changes; relationship sensitive; need for privacy; peer relationships important;
independence important; enjoys reading; use telephone, music, may reject familiar objects or food,
exerts in opinions, may reject suggestions from parents or caregivers but accept them from strangers;
idol worship is common; concern for appearance and virility.
Guidelines for Activities: Respect need for privacy, sexual concerns, explain all actions logically,
honestly, encourage child to express his desires and interests.

How will you develop self- esteem of a child?


[Link] unconditional love every day.
[Link] together and have fun.
[Link] your child responsibilities and chores.
[Link] independence.
[Link] from insulting your child.
[Link] learning experiences.
[Link] technology use.
[Link] off creativity.
[Link] self- esteem.

How to prevent diaper rash?


[Link] check of baby’s diaper.
[Link] changing your baby’s diaper.
[Link] with mild soap.

What will you do if child having tantrums?


[Link] the tantrums.
[Link] his/her attention.

How to prevent tantrums?


[Link] consistent.
[Link] ahead.
[Link] your child make appropriate choices.
[Link] god behavior.
[Link] situations likely to trigger tantrums.

Swaddling
Practice of wrapping a baby up gently in a light breakable blanket to help them feel calm and sleep.
Benefits
[Link] calm their little one.
[Link] longer.
Risk
[Link]
[Link] unsafe if baby is not swaddled properly.
How do I swaddle my baby safely?
[Link] your baby using thin, breathable materials.
[Link] not swaddle your baby above their shoulders.
[Link] your baby firmly but gently.
[Link] hip- healthy swaddling technique.
[Link] put your baby to sleep on their back.
[Link] your baby’s temperature regularly.
[Link] someone else looks after your baby, make sure they also know about safe sleeping advice and how
to swaddle safely.

You might also like