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Infant - Week #21


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Newborn Week Twenty One

By Angela Sawinski, edHelperBaby

Play By Play
           Even though you can't understand your baby, he's beginning to be able to understand you. That's why it's important to talk to him as you move through the day. Narrate what you're doing: Here's your bottle. Ready for your bath? In a few months he'll understand you perfectly when you say the word bottle or bath. You don't have to be a nonstop chatterbox - babies appreciate quiet, too. All you need to do is converse with him like the little companion he is.

   

Fact
           According to one estimate, between two and four percent of American households are home to an adopted child.

   

How To Spot A Bad Daycare
           Questionable Curriculum: Skip centers that either have no daily program or offer one that is static and unchallenging. Children need variety, change, and a chance to grow. The best centers offer a wide range of both group and individual activities.

       Loose Rules: Rules and regulations are important. Centers without clearly established guidelines for everything from operating hours to how they handle emergencies are likely to have other organizational problems as well. If a daycare center doesn't have clear rules and organization, it's not likely to be right for you. Keep looking.

       So-So Reputation: Don't hesitate to judge a center based on what you've heard from other parents. Ask for specifics, though, to make sure that negative comments apply to your situation and aren't something unique to a particular family and the center. If other parents aren't thrilled with the center, it's best to keep looking.

       An Inadequate Staff: If a center's employees seem underqualified, keep looking. A staff that isn't educated (ideally, at least two years of college and a background in early childhood development), responsible, enthusiastic, and well prepared won't provide the best care for your child. Staff should also be trained in CPR and share your basic philosophies on sleep, discipline, and feeding.

       Dirty, Unsafe Facilities: If the center seems dingy, cramped, or dangerous, move on and keep looking.

       Undercompensated Staff: Poor staff benefits lead to high turnover. Ideally, your child will be cared for by the same familiar faces day after day. If the staff's training isn't up to snuff, they seem overworked, or they don't stick around very long, the center isn't for you.

   

Father Bonding Idea
           Be there for a cold or fever. Nobody wants his or her baby to get sick, but there's nothing like an illness to prove how much the little guy really needs you. A night spent rocking a sick child will make you painfully and preciously aware of what parenting is all about.

   

Dressing For The Weather
           Too hot? Too cold? How can you be sure your baby is dressed appropriately for the weather? A great rule of thumb is to put one more layer on your baby than you wear yourself. Pay attention to what your baby "tells" you, too. If he cries or becomes fussy, he may be too cold (He's less likely to react if he's too warm.) Your baby's hands, feet, and head can also be a good barometer: Check to see whether they're cold or warm to your touch.

       You can help your baby adapt to different temperatures quickly and easily by dressing him in layers. Bonus: Separates and layers make changing easier when something inevitably gets dirty.

       Warm-weather Musts: A broad-brimmed summer hat that shields his face and ears; along with loose layers in natural fibers, especially cotton. Store socks and a sweater in your diaper bag in case you go somewhere that's air-conditioned.

       Cold-weather Musts: A warm hat that covers his ears; socks, booties, and mittens to cover his extremities (shoes are unnecessary for now); a warm blanket to cover his body. Depending on the temperature, an undershirt, a sweater, and a one-piece fleece bunting may also be good ideas.

   

Try This!
           Babies love to play with their fingers and toes. Touch each finger or toe as you recite this poem:

       This little piggy went to market,

       This little piggy stayed home,

       This little piggy had roast beef,

       This little piggy had none,

       And this little piggy went "wee, wee, wee"

       All the way home.

       Before you say "wee, wee, wee," slow down to build suspense. Then say the last line a little faster than the rest. On the "wee, wee, wee" you can do many things. Tickle the baby, dance around while holding the baby, or gently shake the baby's hand or foot. Another variation would be to say "wee, wee, wee" in different voices.

   

Dayvian's Experience
           I played this game with Dayvian while he was in the bathtub. First I went through the nursery rhyme normally with both of his feet. When I began touching his toes, his gave me a confused look with his eyebrows. Once I got to the "wee, wee, wee" part, he was smiling. I went through the game again with his hands, only this time I sang the nursery rhyme in a silly voice. This made him giggle. I was halfway through the song when he began peeing in the tubby! I am not sure if he was giggling because of the fun game or because he knows it drives mom crazy when he pees in the tub. This was the end of the game, as we had to get fresh water and re-bathe him.

   


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