NEWBORN TO TWO MONTHS

FEEDING

DOES BREAST FEEDING AFFECT A NEWBORN'S BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

• Breast feeding contributes to rapid growth of brain weight.
• Myelin is a fatty substance that covers axons which results in increased weight.
• At birth there is little myelin, but after 3 years axons are mostly covered.
• With myelin, neurons can send and receive messages quickly and clearly.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO MANAGE A BREASTFED INFANT IN CHILD CARE?

• Breastfed newborns develop stronger immune system from antibodies in milk.
• Results in fewer ear infections, allergies, and respiratory and intestinal illnesses.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Respect the mothers choice.
• Hold infant in arms when bottle feeding.
• Respond to the signals of the infant.
• Breastfed infants need shorter, more frequent feelings so
• Adjust your schedule accordingly.

CRYING

WHY DO YOUNG BABIES CRY?

• Important way to communicate their needs
• Most babies get fussier in the afternoon, "crying curve".
• Colic babies cry longer than 3 hours a day for more than 3 days a week.

DOES RESPONDING TO A BABY'S CRY HELP BRAIN DEVELOPMENT?

• We don't know what the brain is learning from attention.
• However, the baby grows more secure and competent with loving attention.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Respond by feeding, holding, changing diapers, and burping.
• Be patient.
• Turn on white noise such as a vacuum cleaner.

TOUCH

WHAT DOES A NEWBORN FEEL WHEN TOUCHED?

• A newborn's sensitivity is well developed at birth.
• Fist sense to develop.
• Especially responsive at mouth, palms, and feet.

DOES HOLDING A NEWBORN AFFECT BRAIN DEVELOPMENT?

• Most likely, holding a baby in the warmth supports healthy brain development.
• "Sensory nourishment"

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Hold, cuddle, hug, and rock the baby.
• Gently stroke the head and skin.
• Avoid leaving in swing or infant seat for long periods of time.
• Infants do feel pain!

VISION

WHAT DOES THE NEWBORN SEE?

• Least mature of the senses.
• Able to track or follow movements about 9-12 inches from their face.
• Objects and people look fuzzy.
• Newborn's peripheral vision is the best.
• They can get visually stuck and begin to cry.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Hold them 9-12 inches from their face.
• Don't worry if their eyes wander, this is normal.
• By 2 months, infants like to look at your face when your eyes and mouth are open.
• Give the infants time to take a break from activity.

HEARING

WHAT DOES A NEWBORN HEAR?

• They can hear rhythms and tones of a mother's voice before they are born.
• Sensitive to sounds of human speech.
• Taking to infants helps brain development and connections.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Talk to them during caregiving times.
• They are attracted to pitch and rhythm of your voice.
• Softly sing songs.
• Pretend the infant is telling you something.