Infant and Toddler Care: Milestones, Feeding, and Safety Tips
Infant and Toddler Care: A Comprehensive Guide
RN Vital Signs: FC: 140/180. FR: 40/60. T°: 36.5-37°C.
Developmental Milestones and Activities
2 to 8 weeks of life: We suggest crib toys such as colorful mobiles and musical games.
2 to 4 months: Sing, show new sounds, talk slowly and closely, encouraging smiles. Sensory touch is fundamental for development; touch and embrace, both to take objects and feel.
4 to 6 months: Offer objects such as bells, rings, and cubes. Introduce smells. Briefly and supportively seat the baby with different objects.
4 to 8 months: Provide toys that make noise or have music. Talk and sing, teach rhythms.
8 to 12 months: Encourage walking by helping the baby take steps, holding them by the shoulders or by allowing them to jump.
Breastfeeding and Feeding Techniques
Breastfeeding: Optimal nutrition, delivery of antibodies, intellectual development benefits, low cost, and advantages for the mother.
Feeding technique: Wash hands and breasts. Be comfortable and quiet. Start with the breast not used last time. Caress the baby to wake up the sucking reflex. Introduce the breast to the newborn, expecting them to open their mouth and take the nipple. Let them nurse for 20 minutes and remove the breast. Burp the baby and go to the next breast.
How do I know if my baby is feeding well? You hear swallowing sounds. The baby has at least 6 wet diapers a day with clear urine. Stools are yellow and fluid. The mother produces milk constantly. The baby is gaining weight properly.
Developmental Stages: 1 to 4 Years
1 to 2 years: Start walking, first supported and then alone. First words. Sit alone and play. Crawl or scoot. Drink from a glass or cup.
2 to 3 years: Walk alone. Control bowels. Start running. Kick a ball. Scribble on paper. Articulate sentences of 2 to 4 words and name figures. Distinguish between shapes and colors.
3 to 4 years: Climb correctly, up and down stairs alternating feet. Crouch easily without falling. Hold a pencil in writing position.
Safety Tips for Children
Some tips for the prevention of risks: Store drugs, tools, knives, glass, and small objects safely out of reach of children. Check the floor for cables, nails, plugs, and extension cords. Protect access to stairs, windows, and balconies. Use protective caps for plugs, adapters, cooking pot covers to prevent spills, doorstops to prevent abrupt closures, and non-slip mats.
Managing Behavior
Rebellion: Reward good behavior with affection.
Avoid situations that have initiated a confrontation in the past. Use a friendly tone and make a request rather than giving an order.
Dental Care
Teeth: Cleaning time should be pleasant and educational. Use a small, soft toothbrush with rounded filament ends and brush teeth at least twice a day. Teach brushing in a practical way, holding their hand to guide the movement, especially before bedtime. Healthy eating is important. Consult your dentist at least once a year.
Sleep Routine
Dream: Quietly put on pajamas and complete the bedtime routine, including brushing teeth. Tuck the child into bed with a stuffed animal or anything else that makes them feel safe. Play soft music or tell a story.
Developmental Stages: 4 Years and Older
4 years and older: Develop relationships with peers and adults. Language: Expressed in complete sentences. Configuration: Perform actions that require coordination, balance, and fine control of movements.
Rights of Hospitalized Children
Rights of hospitalized children: Children under 15 years. 1. All hospitalized infants have a right to be breastfed directly by their mother. 2. All children are entitled to timely hospitalization. 3. Staff who care for hospitalized children must be trained and supported.
Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory diseases: Risk factors include prematurity, mother/teen smoking, and smoking parents. Signs and symptoms: Dry cough, noisy breathing (stridor, hum, moan, wheezing), dyspnea, sputum.
Asthma
Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways that causes attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Treatment includes environmental management, corticosteroids, and bronchodilators.