How to Teach Parents Infant Care

New parents can use all the information they can get when it involves caring for a new infant. Teaching them the basics is a pretty lengthy process, but important nonetheless. Everything will need to be covered including, infant handling, changing, feeding, bathing, soothing and brain stimulation. It will probably take a series of classes for all the information to get covered. Allow the parents to ask questions, and allow them to practice caring for lifelike baby dolls. This will allow them to practice before the baby arrives home.

Things You'll Need

• Diapers
• Wet wipes
• Changing pad and table
• Diaper disposal
• Vaseline or baby bottom cream
• Breast cream
• Bottles
• Bottle parts (nipples, tops, among other items)
• Baby bathtub
• Rag
• Baby soap
• Baby shampoo
• Towel
• Baby lotion
• Baby toys
• Board books

Instructions

1. Teach the parents how to handle the infant. Demonstrate how to cradle the baby in their arms by folding the arms together. One arm needs to be under the baby's back and bottom, and the other arm needs to be reinforcing the other arm, while supporting the baby's head.

2. Teach the parents how to change a diaper. Use the correct sized diaper for the infant. The sizes usually start at newborn and go up to size five. There is often a corresponding weight on the package when choosing the diaper size. To change a diaper, place the infant on a flat, padded surface and buckle them in. Unsnap the closures and pull the front of the diaper down. Gently hold the legs up and use a wet wipe to wipe the soiled skin. Remove the dirty diaper and dispose of in a diaper disposal or trash can. Place the back of the clean diaper underneath the infant and bring up the front. Secure the diaper enough to keep it from slipping off the infant.

3. Show parents how to feed the infant. If the mother is breastfeeding, show her how to hold the infant while breastfeeding. Though there are many positions, the most common one is a cradle hold. The mother cradles the infant while he drinks. Show her to wipe her nipple clean before and after breastfeeding, and to apply a soothing breast cream to help prevent cracking. If the infant is being bottle fed, show the parents how to clean and sanitize the bottles. Putting them in the dishwasher is fine if the bottles are dishwasher safe. Boil bottle accessories about once a week, and cleanse them after every use with warm, soapy water. Choose formulas that are gentle on the baby's stomach. A good example is Similac. If buying a powder mix, show them how to mix the proper parts of water and powder. Also, show parents how to warm the bottle, by use of a bottle warmer, or by placing it in a pan of shallow water on the stove top.

4. Demonstrate how to bathe an infant. It is easier to bath an infant if the proper equipment is used. There are many baby bathtubs with cushion support available. Many of the tubs convert as the infant grows. The baby bathtub can be place in the tub you use at home. Fill the bigger tub with warm water until it just touches the sides of the baby tub. Show the parents how to use a soft rag to wash the baby with baby soap and warm water, and to rinse the infant well. The parents will need to use a cotton swab around the umbilical cord. When finished bathing, pick up the baby and wrap him up in a towel.

5. Show them ways to sooth a crying infant. A baby cries and that is normal. Rocking a baby and singing lullabies can help to sooth a crying baby. Teach the parents some songs to sing. Good choices include Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Rockabye Baby, and Amazing Grace. Baby swings are also useful if your baby is very fussy.

6. Give them ways to stimulate their baby's brain growth. There are many ways to stimulate a baby's brain. Talking, reading the baby books and playing with toys are all great ways to foster positive growth.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to tell parents that an infant needs head support, until he can lift his head up on his own.

• Warn the parents to never discipline an infant. A baby does not understand right from wrong at this age, and will not be able to learn from punishment.