Infant Care Basics for 0-3 Months

The most important tasks and aspects of basic infant care for children aged 0-3 months old.

1. Feeding: Infants need to be fed every 2-3 hours usually. At this age, baby is either breastfeeding or bottle-feeding (more on choosing safe bottles here). It is important to make sure the infant is getting enough to eat and is gaining weight appropriately.

2. Sleeping: Infants need a lot of sleep, typically about 16-17 hours per day. This should include regular naps and a safe sleeping environment. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that the baby sleeps in a crib or bassinet to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Though many parents choose to co-sleep for a variety of reasons, and are able to do so safely.

3. Diapering: Infants will need to have their diapers changed frequently. It's important to keep the diaper area clean and dry to prevent diaper rash. Baby's skin is very sensitive so look closely at the ingredients used in your diapers and wipes.

4. Bathing: Infants should be bathed regularly, usually 2-3 times per week, to keep their skin clean and healthy. It's important to use a mild soap and avoid overheating the water.

5. Clothing: Infants will need to be dressed appropriately for their age and environment, and it's important to keep them warm and protected from the elements.

6. Safety: Keeping the infant safe is a top priority, and this can involve ensuring they have a safe sleeping environment, properly installing and using a car seat, and avoiding potential hazards such as loose bedding or sharp objects.

7. Health: Regular check-ups with a pediatrician are important for monitoring the infant's growth and development, and for addressing any health concerns or issues.

8. Stimulation and play: Infants benefit from stimulation and play, such as tummy time, playing with toys (more on appropriate toys for this age here), and singing or talking to them (more on playtime for this age here).

Sources for information on early child development and care:

1. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): The AAP provides guidelines and recommendations on a wide range of infant health and development topics, including feeding, sleeping, diapering, bathing, clothing, safety, and health.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC provides information on infant care, including feeding, sleeping, diapering, bathing, and safety.

3. World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO provides information on infant and young child feeding, including breastfeeding and complementary feeding.

4. HealthyChildren.org: This website is the official website of the AAP and provides information on a wide range of child health and development topics, including basic infant care.

5. Mayo Clinic: Mayo Clinic provides information on a wide range of health topics, including basic infant care and child development

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