Infant Developmen

tBathing and Social Development

Tips for Bathing

• Infants should use an infant tub

• They should NOT be placed into a full size tub until they are able to support themselves in a sitting position (around 6-7 months)

Bathing Tips

• Always use hypoallergenic soap that is tear-free

• For girls, do not use bubble bath frequently

• Use soft cloths to wash the infant, and make sure to get areas under the neck and in the folds of skin

Bathing Tips

• Bath time for many infants is a way to bond or spend time together and have fun

• DO not submerge an infant in the tub until the embilical cord has fallen off

• Infants generally learn to love being in the water

Safety Tips

• Never leave an infant or any child unattended in the bath tub

• It only take 2 inches of water and 2 minutes for a child to drown

• Always check the water temperature before placing the infant or child in• Water should be warm but not hot• If the infant gets cold you can place a

warm wet rag on the infants back or belly

Safety Tips

• Always use a non-slip mat so that infants who are old enough to sit up do not slip while bathing

• When finished with the mat, take it out of the tub to dry so that it does not collect bacteria

• Keep all electrical appliances FAR away from the tub

Tub Toys

• There are many types of tub toys you can buy to entertain an infant or child while bathing

• All toys should be age appropriate and have no small parts or electronic parts

• Bright, colorful cups, squirters or rubber ducks are perfect for infants

Tub Toys to Avoid

• For an infant, some tub toys may be inappropriate• Tub crayons• Any sort of dissolving tablet that may

irritate the skin• Large items like boats that may have

smaller parts

Diapering

• Avoid diaper rash

• Use diaper cream, not powder

• Change diapers right away

• If diaper rash occurs, do not submerge in water

Diapering

• Practice diapering skills using your diaper and flour baby

• Remember to put the diaper on in the correct position with tabs closing FORWARD

Social Development

• Infants learn by taking information in through their senses• Taste• Smell• Hearing• Touch

Infants can then process this information

Social Development

• The first thing that infants become infatuated with is the human face

• Infants will learn the meaning behind facial expressions even before language can be processed

• These facial cues help the baby understand how to perceive the world

Example

• If your baby sees you laughing and smiling, he or she is more likely to perceive the world as a happy, safe place

The first two months

• Socialization is based around the activities of sleeping and eating

• Infants will begin to learn to self-regulate• Ex. Tuning out noise if he or she is too

overstimulated

• The infant will react to things such as a blanket playfully pulled over his/her head and respond to familiar voices and faces

3 to 4 months

• Infants will reach for familiar people

• Identify themselves in a mirror

• Play actively with a small toy

• Plays by pulling something over their face (peek a boo)

• Plays while propped with toys for 15-20 minutes (exisaucer, etc)

5 to 6 months of age

• Smiles at self in mirror

• Discriminates strangers from familiar people

• Cooperates with adults when playing games

• Bites and chews toys

10 to 12 months old

• Begins to demand independence

• Will make demands to caregivers• Ex. Will cry in the direction of Mom or

Dad

• Demands personal attention

• Is mouthing toys less• Using hands more

Social Development

• As with all other areas of development, children will develop at different paces

• Each child may be quicker or slower to show these milestones

Activity

• Please take out a piece of paper and brainstorm games you could play with an infant at:• 2 months• 5 months• 10 months