Demonstrate nurturing practices that support infant growth and development.
Demonstration could include
- normal physical care of an infant, including feeding, diapering, clothing, bathing, and stimulating
- emotional care and interactions, such as cuddling, kissing, and other physical contact
- responses to special circumstances such as illness, injury, special dietary needs, colic, or chronic irritability
- provision and level of care during parental absences.
Process/Skill Questions
Thinking
- How do you think it feels to be a first-time parent with a newborn?
- Why is it important for parents to prepare for caring for a newborn?
- What happens when parents are not able to care for their new child?
Communication
- Where do people acquire attitudes and beliefs about providing care for a new child?
- What factors might influence the choices parents make regarding the care of a new child?
- How can parents communicate their expectations of care to a babysitter or other caregiver?
- Why is attachment important in infants’ behavior?
- How could one’s culture affect an infant’s attachment behavior?
- Why is it essential to read the nonverbal cues of infants?
Leadership
- What criteria should one use to evaluate the quality of care for a new child?
- What newborn childcare tasks require parents to fulfill the role of nurturer? Problem-solver? Leader? Manager?
- What parenting practices would maximize a newborn baby’s growth and development?
Management
- What management skills must parents use to care for a newborn baby?
- How can parents ensure the safety and security of a new baby?