Researchers have learned that babies do not usually bond more closely to their daytime child caregivers than to their biological parents. Babies in high-quality child care are just as smart as babies whose parents care for them at home. Unfortunately, some child care providers are not providing quality care. It’s important for caregivers to like taking care of babies, to smile often, and to talk while dressing and feeding your baby. Babies should be kept clean, dry, and comfortable. They need to hear gentle voices and cheerful sounds. They need to receive lots of praise. Infants should have their own separate space for eating, sleeping, and playing. Centers with lots of infants should divide babies into smaller groups so they feel more secure. The environment should be bright and cheerful. Cribs, high chairs, playpens, and toys should be clean and in uncrowded spaces.
Good caregivers wash hands carefully each time after diapering, dressing, and feeding each baby. They are careful that bottles and cups are not shared among babies. Babies are shifted to new positions, new outlooks, and new toys, and they also have time for peace and quiet. It’s not a good place if babies are kept in cribs or playpens for long stretches of time with few chances to move around and explore. Enough adults should be on hand to cuddle, play with, and hold the babies for bottle feeding, but they should not hold and carry the infants all day.
If you are not happy with the care your infant is receiving, it may be time to find another caregiver. Variety is the spice of life, but babies need consistency. They like routines or doing the same things every day. If your baby has a bunch of child care providers, it may be hard to form close bonds. Your baby needs someone who responds to her quickly and gently, someone she can learn to trust.
This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If we write him or her, we are talking about all babies. Every baby is different. Normal children may do things earlier or later than described in this FAQ. This FAQ describes typical children at each age. Each child is special and develops at his or her own pace.
