Everything You Need To Know About Babysitting An Infant-1

Handling an infant in the first year is not the same as handling a toddler or older child because infants are fragile and require special attention and care.

Here are a few tips that would make babysitting an infant a success:

Make sure you have a form filled up by the parents that contains their emergency contact information, what to feed the baby, the various baby allergies and everything else you would like to know in an emergency.

There are many reasons why a baby could cry; crying is a form of communication of the baby that it is not comfortable. It does not mean that you have done something wrong; it is quite possible that he/she misses one’s mummy/daddy.

The baby could also be crying because of a wet diaper or poop in it. Change the diaper by getting a new diaper before undoing the old one. While you undo the diaper ensure you have something to keep the baby occupied as you change it. Ensure that you put a clean diaper over the private part in case of a male and you wipe front to back if the baby is a female. Ensure you wipe the baby with as many wipes as you need, making sure to get into all the creases. Then lift the baby's feet, remove the soiled diaper, and slide on a clean one. Latch the diaper, pattern side on front.

The baby could also be crying if he/she is hungry; prepare the milk at the right temperature and continue to shake the bottle till the temperature is just right. Check the temperature by squirting some of the milk onto the meat of your wrist. Then prop the baby up and gently stick the rubber nipple into the baby's mouth, making sure to not point the nipple straight down because the baby could choke. Ensure you take breaks between sips when you sit the baby up and gently pat his/her back right between their shoulder blades. The baby will usually burp.  A word of caution; do not rush the baby while feeding him/her; it pays to be patient and allow the baby to take his/her own time.  

Be careful while bathing the baby. First fill the tub up 1/4 way with lukewarm water and then gently lift the infant under its arms and bottom, and place it in tub. Next take a washcloth and pat on infant safe body wash ensuring it gets into every roll and crease. Ensure you rinse gently without pouring water on her/his face. Next, wash the baby's head, following the same procedure and rinse with washcloth. When you are finished, dry the baby with a soft towel, and apply lotion.

Next comes to how you should feed the baby solid food. Feeding the baby solid food means a cereal or baby food; take the parent’s permission and mix some baby solid food if the food is watery. Ensure you put the baby on a high chair and put a bib; never leave the child unattended in the chair. Next fill a small spoon halfway with baby food, and gently put spoon in mouth, without forcing in the spoon. Stop feeding if the baby gags on the food or dodges the spoon as the baby is probably full.

I will be soon coming with more tips regarding how to babysit an infant. Till then good luck!