Year 10 Child Development

Lesson 5 ~

Preparing for the Baby

Lesson Objectives

• During this lesson you will learn about the range of essential clothing and equipment needed for a baby.

• During this lesson you will understand about how important it is to prepare for a baby.

Choosing equipment

• The parents budget and lifestyle will influence the choice of equipment.

• It is always important for equipment to be kept hygienic and for it to be cleaned regularly.

• New equipment should have the correct safety labels.

Baby carriers

• Baby slings are strapped to the body allowing the child to be carried indoors and out.

• The slings ensure that the baby will enjoy the close physical contact of the parent

• They leave the parent/s hands free.• Care should be taken to adjust

straps correctly.• They are suitable from birth.

Baby carriers

• Back carriers are suitable for babies who can sit unaided.

• Especially useful for outdoor use.

• The frame is made from light weight metal.

• They can have detachable bags, canopies or rain shields.

• They are carried on the back.

Prams, pushchairs, etcBrakes

Good suspension

Sturdiness

Storage size

Ease of adjustment

Cost

Weather resistance

New or second hand

Accessories available

Ease of pushing and steering

Manoeuvrability

Versatility

Comfort

Ease of folding

Handle height

Weight

Tyres and wheels

Stability

Style and colour

Safety

Age range

Adjustable seat position

Front or rear facing

Town or country use.

Walking reins

• Walking reins should be used for toddlers

• They assist in control of energetic toddlers and prevent them from falling.

• As the child gets older reins can be replaced by a strap attached to the child's wrist.

In the car

• Sunshades protect from bright glare of the sun.• Seat belt adjusters give extra room if needed to

adapt to the car seat.• Booster cushions should be used on children up

to 11 years old. • Seat belt cushions stop the seat belt rubbing on

the child body.• Bottle and food warmers are handy for a long

journey.• A range of car seats are available for different

ages of children

Task!

• What sort of baby carrier would be useful if you wanted to keep your hands free whilst carrying a three month old baby?

• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a baby carrier?

• What factors should be taken into consideration whilst choosing a new born baby pram?

• Explain when and how walking reins can be used!

Movement exercise and play

• Bouncing cradle are suitable for babies up to six months old.

• They are easily transported around the home.

• Toys can be attached on to the front of the bouncing cradle.

• They should only be used for short periods of time

• They should always be placed on the floor.

• Babies should never be left unattended in them.

• Baby bouncer attaches to a door way or a stand.

• Allows the baby to move their arms and legs freely

• They can be used from approximately four months until the baby begins to walk.

• Babies should never be left unattended in the baby bouncer.

Movement exercise and play

• Play pens are available in different shapes and sizes.

• Babies can see out of them so they will usually play happily.

• Some babies dislike them because their freedom is restricted.

• Babies do not like to be left alone for more than a few minutes so they should not be left unattended for long periods of time in a play pen.

Movement exercise and play

Feeding time

• Highchairs can be used from about six months old.

• They should be stable• Have fitted safety harness• Be easy to clean• Have an adjustable tray with rounded

corners.• Some highchairs fold flat to save space.• Some can be attached to normal table or

chair.

Bedtime

• Cots can be used from birth. • Babies should be placed in the feet to foot position to

prevent SID.• Bars should be 45mm-65mm apart.• Should have child proof safety catches.• Some cots have detachable sides for easy access.• Some cots may convert in t o a child’s bed as the child

grows.• Adjustable mattress height avoids unnecessary bending.• If a child can crawl out of the cot they should be put into

a normal bed with safety sides. • Moses baskets, carry cots and swinging cribs are only

useful for a few months.

Bedtime

• Travel cots are useful when visiting people or for holidays.

• They are made from light weight metal and fabric

• They fold to a compact size.

• Some can also be used as a play pen.

Bedtime • Pillows should not be used• Duvets, cots quilts and baby nests should not be

used under 12 months old as they can lead to over heating

• Blankets are best made from cellular, acrylic material which is warm and light weight.

• Sheets should be cotton, which is cool in the summer and warm in the winter

• All bedding should be washed regularly• Cot mattresses should fit snugly in the cot with no

gaps where the baby could become trapped.• Some mattresses have ventilation holes at the

head end.• Whilst research continues into the link between

SIDS and used mattresses some experts say that a new mattress should be purchased with every new baby.

Baby monitors

• These maintain contact between the parent and the child when they are not in the same place.

• Some electrical or battery operated transmitters and receivers can check the room temperatures

• Some can sound an alarm to alert the parent if the baby’s breathing stops.

• Special TV monitors can also enable the parent to see the child.

Task!

• Write an advice sheet for a new parent about buying a cot or any other equipment relating to keeping the baby safe at bedtime and play time.

• For example, look at all the safety aspects you need to consider before buying a cot and it’s bedding. You could also look into cost, hygiene, suitability and environmental issues.

Finish off sheet for homework

Clothes • Newborn baby clothes (layette) should be……• Lightweight• Soft • Non irritant • Non flammable • Appropriate for the weather• Easy to put on and remove• Easy to wash/dry/iron• Newborn clothes shouldn’t have ribbons on them

or open weave which may trap fingers.

Clothes

• Older children’s clothes should be…….• Suitable for the weather conditions• Hard wearing • Easy to wash/dry/iron• Fastened with Velcro or large buttons• Elasticated waist • Big enough to allow for growth and movement• Brightly coloured/could be chosen by the child.

Shoes

• ‘Padders’ (pre-walkers) protect babies feet

when they’re crawling. • They don’t need shoes until they are walking.• Feet should be measured regularly by trained

fitters and when buying shoes, to make sure that the shoes fit well.

• Features of a good children’s shoe are that they’re lightweight, have no inside seams,

have a low heel, flexible slip-resistant soles, adjustable fastening, and growing room.

Nappies

• Nappies can be disposable or reusable. Both types are available in a wide range of sizes.

• Over a period of time reusable nappies are cheaper even when you take into consideration of washing them every day.

• Traditional terry towelling nappies have to be folded and pinned, more modern nappies are shaped to fit and are fastened using Velcro.

• Disposable nappies are convenient, absorbent, east to use and store but are not environmentally friendly, because they are not bio-degradable

Terry Towelling Nappies

• Use the internet to find out how terry towelling nappies are put on to a baby. Write a step by step instruction guide, add images to help you explain.