Babies are totally dependent. The childcare provider is responsible for meeting their every need when they demand it. They will learn to trust based on how their needs are met. Babies need to feel secure, have lots of one-on-one attention, cuddling, and be talked to. An infants’ day will revolve around eating, sleeping, observing, and playing. They need safe open spaces in which they can move and crawl.

Tummy Time

While awake, and on a clean, safe surface, infants are placed on their tummies at least twice a day for 15 minutes to strengthen the neck, back, and shoulders. During this time, a provider will interact with the infant (gentle stroking, talking, singing, calling attention to colorful toys on the left, right and straight ahead). As the infant gets older, placing toys just out of reach will encourage reaching and crawling.

Each infant’s position is changed at least every 30 minutes when the child is awake. The use of equipment (bouncers, swings) is limited to 20 minutes at a time.

Soothing

We used a variety of ways to calm a crying baby including:

·      Checking to see if their diaper needs changing

·      Feed slowly, stopping to burp often

·      Offer their pacifier

·      Hold baby

·      Rock baby using slow rhythmic movements

·      Playing soft, soothing music

·      Taking the baby for a walk in a stroller

·      Talking softly

·      Teething infants are given cooled teething rings which are sanitized after each use

If the baby won’t stop crying, they will be checked for signs of illness and the parent/guardian will be called if the child shows signs of illness.

Pacifiers

Pacifiers without attachments are allowed given:

·      Parent/guardian will provide at least two new pacifiers (labeled with their child’s name using a waterproof label or non-toxic permanent marker) as needed for their child to use

·      Each pacifier will be inspected for tears or cracks (and to see if there is fluid in the nipple) before each use

·      Infants will not be forced to take a pacifier

·      Pacifier will not be coated in any sweet solution

·      Pacifier will be cleaned with soap and water

·      Cleaned pacifiers will be stored open to air, separate from the diapering area

Breastfeeding

Giving infants a healthy start helps them develop healthy habits for life. Our program is committed to breastfeeding and other developmentally appropriate infant feeding practices.

We invite mothers to breastfeed on site and/or provide breastmilk for us to feed to their infants. Mothers may breastfeed enrolled infants at any time during the day at childcare. There is always refrigerator and/or freezer space available for storage of breastmilk. Provided breastmilk must be labeled with the child’s name and dated.

Formula

Formula must be provided by the parent/guardian. Prepared formula is used within 2 hours of preparation and within 1 hour from when feeding begins. If the prepared formula is not used within 2 hours, the bottle is stored in the refrigerator and used within 24 hours. Powdered formulas cans will be dated when opened and stored in a cool, dry place for up to one month. Medication is never added to breast milk or formula expect with the written instruction of the health care provider.

Feeding

Infants will be fed on demand unless written instructions stating otherwise are provided by the parent/guardian with health care provider’s signature. Children will be allowed to eat their way – a lot or a little, fast, or slow, steady or start and stop. It is not necessary to finish off a bottle, container of food or food on the plate. This will support the development of understanding personal fullness cues. To avoid waste, feeding will start with small amounts and add more if the infant indicates they are still hungry. Infants will be held with hands slightly elevated while bottle feeding. Bottle propping is never allowed. When infants can hold their own bottles, they are held or placed in a highchair or other seat for feeding. Bottles and sippy cups are used by infants as skills indicate.

Infant Foods

Once solid foods start, they will be chosen to provide key nutrients and help children meet their energy needs. Solid foods in pureed form are introduced usually around 4 months. Chopped, safe table foods (no larger than ¼ inch cubes for infants and ½ inch cubes for toddlers) are encouraged after 8 months of age. Infants will eat from plates and utensils on appropriately sanitized surfaces, such as highchair trays. Cups and spoons are encouraged by 9 months of age.

Our program provides a variety of healthy meals and snacks for infants each day, including iron-rich cereals, pureed/mashed vegetables and/or meets without added salt, and pureed/mashed fruits without added sugar. Families will provide information about known allergies and already introduced foods.  

One single ingredient new food will be introduced at a time with a 3-5 day wait before introducing anything else to watch for possible allergic reactions. The goal is introduction of a variety of foods by the end of the first year. Children under 6 months of age will only have breast milk or iron fortified infant formula to drink unless under written direction by their physician. After 6 months, they will be introduced to a small amount of water after feedings.

Feeding Practices

We strive to use best practices when feeding infants to help them build healthy eating habits right from the start. These best practices include feeding infants when they begin to show signs of hunger and ending feedings when they show that they are full. Our feeding practices are flexible to the needs to families. For example, we can avoid large feedings at the end of the day before mothers intend to breastfeed. Families should inform us of their preferences. Explore More will provide bottles for childcare that are the brand/type that children use at home. Infants who are not independently bottle-feeding are held in provider’s arms when feeding. Children who are independently bottle-feeding are in a seated position within reach of the provider. Bottle warmers are used when bottles need to be warmed.

Infant Rest

Infants will have a morning and afternoon nap time of length appropriate for their age and development. Infants will also be able to rest at any other point when they fall asleep or show cues of being tired. Infants up to 12 months will be placed on their backs for sleep, unless the child’s health provider has completed a signed waiver indicating that the child requires an alternate sleep position. Children that self-turn will not be repositioned. No positioning devices will be used unless required by the child’s health provider, and no other items in a crib except a pacifier. The infant’s head will remain uncovered at all times. Only one infant will be in each crib. Lighting in the room will allow for the infants’ face to be seen to view the color of the skin and check on breathing and placement of the pacifier if used. Cribs will be located away from windows, wall hangings, electrical and window covering cords and other dangerous items. Temperature in the room is comfortable for a lightly clothed adult, and infants will be checked to make sure they are comfortably clothed and bibs, necklaces and garments with ties or hoods are removed. If an infant falls asleep in any place that is not a safe sleep environment, they will be immediately moved to their crib and placed on their backs. Swaddling infants when they are in a crib is not recommended. Infants will always have ongoing direct supervision by sight and sound while they are sleeping. 

Explore More follows safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:

·      Babies are always placed on their back to sleep

·      Soft objects, toys, and loose bedding are kept out of the baby’s sleep area

·      Pacifiers are encouraged for napping

·      Babies are visually monitored every 15 minutes while napping

·      Room temperature is kept at a comfortable level to assure babies do not overheat while sleeping

·      Bibs and garments with ties or hoods are removed before placing an infant in the crib to sleep

·      Babies are never swaddled

Education and Support

We participate in professional development on breastfeeding and other infant feeding and nutrition topics. Information about the importance of breastfeeding, and what we do to support breastfeeding, is provided to all families enrolling infants. Additional resources regarding breastfeeding, infant nutritional needs, and feeding are made available as infants age. We ask that families complete an Infant Feeding Plan upon enrollment that provides us with needed information and guidance.