Feeding an infant can be a very
rewarding experience that creates a special bond between the
individual and the child. While sitting with the child during feeding time, be
sure to pay close attention to signals the child may give you like wanting and
not needing any more food; you may also begin to notice their likes and
dislikes. Feeding an infant can be fun as well as messy. Remember to clean both
the baby and the feeding area afterward. If possible make notes about the
child’s feeding habits for future use and to properly inform the child’s
parents about the day’s activities.
In this manual we will be
learning how to:
1)
Prepare the food
2)
Prepare the Child
3)
Feed the Child
4)
Understand when feeding time is done
5)
Clean-up
6)
Burping
7)
Notes
-WARNINGS-
·
Feeding an infant child food which has been
prepared improperly can cause choking, burns, or sickness such as an allergic
reaction. Be sure to follow all steps highlighted on any formula container or
that the parents of the child have given you.
·
DO NOT feed HONEY to infants under the age of 12
months. Honey can carry C. Botulunim spores which may be harmful to any child
under the age of 12 months because of the child’s under developed immune system
(Fillippone, 2012).
·
FOLLOW all directions for any type of food that
needs extra preparation.
·
DO NOT introduce new foods not found on
the parent provided list. New foods may cause an allergic reaction when not
introduced properly (USDA, 2012).
To use this instruction manual properly the baby-sitter should be familiar
with the following list of items:*
·
Parent’s list of recommended food items
·
Formula/Cereal
·
Measuring spoons and/or cup
·
Jars of baby food
·
Burping towel
·
Bottles
·
Cleaning supplies
·
Location of common household items in the
kitchen
*A more detailed list
may be provided by the parents depending on their child’s specific needs
Definitions of Terms Used and their Importance
Formula: Formula
is a “substitution for breast milk for feeding infants,” (MedicineNet.com,
2012). Formula can come in either a dry or liquid form. Consult the parent on
which form they use and follow directions accurately.
Burping: Burping
is a way of removing excess air swallowed during bottle feeding. To burp one
must either:
1)
Place a cloth on shoulder to protect against
spit-up, then place the baby on cloth. Then pat the baby’s back firmly until
definite burps are heard. The amount of patting can vary (Mommy’s Baby Journal
Online, 2008). –WARNING-Remember
to always support the baby’s neck and head during burping or any other
movement.
2)
Sit the baby uptight on your leg and place the
thumb under one armpit while placing the pinkie finger under the other. Use the
other fingers to rest the baby’s head on a burp cloth while supporting the
baby’s head under the jaw. Continue to pat back firmly until burping occurs. .
The amount of patting can vary (Mommy’s Baby Journal Online, 2008). –WARNING-
Never place hands on neck in this position as choking may occur. Always
remember to support the baby’s head and neck.
Feeding an infant: Detailed Steps
1)
Prepare the food.
a.
Locate an utilize the list of acceptable food
items created by the parents
–WARNING-
Do NOT introduces new food items to the
child as an allergic reaction can occur.
b.
Determine meal plan based on choices
c.
Set out proper utensils
d.
Carefully read all applicable directions for the
food item being prepared
–WARNING-
Failure to follow directions closely
could result in injury to the child
e.
Mix ingredients appropriately
f.
With separate utensil from one to be used on
child test food item for texture and temperature.
2)
Prepare the Child
a.
Determine if child is old enough to sit in
highchair, otherwise hold infant during feeding.
i.
If child can hold head up by them self and can
sit up then highchair may be appropriate. If your comfort level is not high
enough to trust this yet it is alright to hold child during feeding.
–WARNING-Remember to always support the baby’s neck
and head.
b.
Place appropriate outerwear on child to prevent
as much mess as possible.
i.
Messes are going to happen so don’t over react
if food gets all over the place; that is what clean-up is for.
c.
Set child in chair or old in arms.
3)
Feed the child
a.
If bottle feeding hold bottle at an angle to
allow for air to go to top of bottle while child is eating.
b.
If spoon feeding child start by getting a clean
baby spoon
c.
Place small amount of food on spoon and allow
child to taste food/cereal.
d.
Allow child to open mouth and accept the food
item. NEVER force feed a child.
e.
Give the infant time to consume what is in their
mouth before offering another bite.
i.
In between bites small games like “airplane” can
entertain the infant and keep them involved during the entire process.
1.
“It is important to keep a happy atmosphere at
the table.” If the child refuses to eat stay positive and do not get
discouraged.(Home Made Baby Food Recipes Online, 2012)
4)
Know when the infant is done
a.
If bottle feeding baby will stop sucking or fall
asleep.
i.
If sleep happens they may wake up hungry, so
keep that bottle handy.
b.
While spoon feeding child may become distracted
or spit food out.
i.
Remember never to force feed the child but offer
up one or two bites to be sure they are done.
5)
Clean-up –WARNING-
Clean-up stage is not to be done if
neglect of child might occur. The first responsibility of a baby-sitter is the
care of the child.
a.
Infant comes first
i.
If applicable, remove child from highchair and
take clean place.
ii.
Remove bib from child and determine clothing
cleanliness.
1.
If clothing is still clean, baby clean-up may be
finished.
2.
If clothing is not clean, replace with clean
clothing provided by the parent
b.
Clean feeding area
i.
Wipe with disinfectant all surfaces of the
highchair
ii.
Wipe with disinfectant all food preparation
surfaces.
iii.
Sweep up any food that may have ended up on the
floor.
iv.
Do dishes.
6)
Burping
a.
Follow direction for burping previously listed
in the introduction.
b.
When burping is finished clean any soiled areas
7)
Notes
a.
Be sure to take as many notes as possible for
the parent to consult. If note taking is not an option try to remember exact
consumption portions and overall attitude of child during feeding time.
Conclusion
It is my recrimination that
any baby-sitter undertaking a responsibility such as watching an infant take
all the proper cautions before accepting the job. Consult with the parents
about tricks they do while feeding the child and doffing the clean-up phase of
the activity. Be familiar with the surroundings so when problems do come up
(like a large mess on the floor) less stress will be had by worrying about
where the mop and broom are located. Remember that the child’s care is your
primary responsibility and if all attention needs to be placed on them then, by
all means, forgo the clean-up stage and note taking stage until a time when
such actions can be taken care of.
Really great post It was so lovely to meet you, can't wait to catch up again
for your blog.
Baby Feeding
Its really helpful for me, a waiting for more new post. Keep Blogging! thank you.
Baby Food