INFANT CARE

INFANT CARE

GENERAL RULES FOR INFANT CARE


Every new baby is unique and beautiful. Don’t be surprised, however, if your baby 

doesn’t look like the babies you see on television commercials or in magazine 

advertisements. Your baby may have lumps on his head, puffy or crossed eyes, a flat 

nose, a small chin, dry skin, or a rash. And don’t be alarmed if your baby jerks 

occasionally while sleeping, has mild nasal congestion, breathes unevenly, sneezes, 

hiccups, and spits up occasionally. Such characteristics are normal and only temporary 

unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

1. The bones and muscles of an infant are extremely delicate and have not developed fully and so careful handling of the baby is of prime importance. Never drag a baby or toss him into the air. Lift him very carefully.

2. Do not awaken an infant suddenly or terrify him in any way.Do not force a newborn to sit upright, as hunchback and severe back disorders can result.

3. Always speak softly to a small child. Do not use harsh words or be abusive, even towards someone else in his presence.

4. Never leave the child alone.

5. Protect the infant from bright sunlight and strong drafts.

6. Keep the child away from any electronic devices or any switches. Never use any synthetic material for a baby's clothes and bedsheets.

7. Use only silk or cotton.

8. Don't move the baby out of the house for the first four weeks of life.

9. Start solid foods with well-cooked fresh cereals after the first six months.

10. Keeping a tub of clay for the child to play and lie down in is a good old practice. Use fresh, pure clay and don't be alarmed if he eats a little bit since it would not cause him any harm.

11. Use only pure cotton diapers. Never use any paper or any plastic item in direct contact with the skin for long. Do not use toilet paper on the child's anus; instead wash it off with fresh cool water.

12. For a small child, toys made of beeswax provide a safe means of teething, which at the same time will provide both heat and nourishment needed by his system. The wax also has medicinal properties to heal sore gums caused by cutting teeth. Toys made of wood are also useful.

13. All movements should be slow, methodical and gentle.

14. Never push, pull, twist, bend, apply pressure or try to straighten arms or legs.

15. The head and trunk should be supported with one hand while the other hand supports the buttocks.

16. When lifting or turning the baby for feeding, dressing or diapering, apply support to the broadest possible area. One safe and effective way is to slide one hand underneath the child’s buttocks to the back with some support under the head. Place the other hand on the chest and abdomen “sandwiching” the baby between the two hands.