Information for parent of infants and toddlers
The UNH Cooperative Extension has wonderful information for parents of children of all ages. For parents of infants and toddlers, they offer a Cradle Crier and Toddler Tales newsletter series. Click on this web link to view individual issues or sign-up for e-mail delivery of the newsletters. The link to specific issues is sent based on the actual date of birth. For example, if your child was born on July 4, 2005, you would receive an e-mail linking you with the correct monthly issue on the fourth of every month thereafter. This is the best way to receive issues in the most timely way.
New!!!Nursing Mothers Network. Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 10:30am at the Conway Public Library in the Community Room. For further information contact Kara Rayder at 662-8425. Siblings are welcome. This group is no affiliations with any other organization.
When Baby is Awake,
Tummy Time is Important!
To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS),
it is important to put your baby to sleep on his back. But,
when your baby is awake and someone is watching her, your
baby should spend as much time as possible on her tummy.
Why is Tummy Time important?
• It helps develop the muscles that keep your baby’s head up and turn her head side toside; and it builds strength throughout her back, neck, buttocks and legs.
• A baby learns how to push up on his elbows and hands to help get ready to roll, belly crawl, and sit by being on his tum
• Without enough tummy time, babies may have delays in crawling, sitting & walking.
To help your baby’s body develop:
• Start your baby on tummy time from the very beginning. For the newborn, place him, when awake, on his tummy on mom or dad’s chest for brief periods of time. He’ll be motivated to look up towards a loving face and
• Put baby on her tummy on a clean, flat surface and play with her. Put toys or a mirror where she can see or reach for them.
• If your baby has trouble picking up his head, roll up a small thin towel or receiving blanket and place it under his chest with his arms in front of it.
• Limit how much time baby spends in a swing, bouncy chair, infant seat or car seat. Babies need to be held and moved often to help them build a good sense of balance and learn about their bodies.
To help prevent baby’s head from getting too flat on one side:
• Since babies turn their heads toward light, noise or activity, alternate the end of the crib you place baby’s head, and alternate the arm that you use to hold, feed, or cuddle baby.
• Change the location of the mobile, or other things that baby watches, so when he’s on his back, he will look in different directions
• If you are worried that your baby is getting a flat or balding spot, or if your baby is having trouble turning her head fully to either side, talk to your baby’s health care provider.
www.chadkids.org/goto/childhealthmonth
Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth, Injury Prevention Center, NH Department of Health and Human Services, NH Department of Education, NH Pediatric Society, NH SAFE KIDS & Partnership for a Drug Free NH
For more information go to the Back To Sleep website at www.nichd.nih.gov/sids/
or call the NH Department of Health and Human Services’ SIDS Program at
800-853-3345, ext. 4536 (NH) or 603-271-4536
9/2006
Click on this site for a range of topics including development, tantrums, and toilet training
Below are samples of topics:
* Helping Young Children to Sleep Better
* The Two-Year-Old - Changes in Thinking
* The Two Year Old - Personality Changes
* The Two Year Old - Physical Changes
* The Two Year Old - Play
* Resources For Parents Of Twins
* Temper Tantrums
* The Effects Of Divorce On Children
* Toilet Training
* When A Child Bites
Sleeping With Your Baby
Studies show that infants that sleep in the same room as their parent may have a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, some
infants have died when parents slept with them in an unsafe way. If you are thinking about having your baby sleep with you, here are some tips to do it safely:
• Have baby sleep in his own safety-approved crib, bassinette
or co-sleeper, next to your bed. You will be able to hear your
baby when she needs you and won’t have to worry about accidentally
rolling over on your baby while you sleep. Having baby close by helps with breastfeeding.
You should not share your bed with your baby if:
• You’ve taken medicine that makes you sleepy (like cold, cough or pain medicine).
• You went to bed very tired or are a heavy sleeper.
• You are a smoker; infants of parents that smoke have a higher risk of SIDS.
• You have been drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, or used other drugs.
Your baby could slip off, get wedged and smother between you and furniture if:
• You fall asleep with your baby on a couch, recliner, or rocker.
Place baby in his crib or bassinette next to you so that you can sleep and know that your
baby is safe.
These things should not be in your baby’s crib:
• Pillows, quilts, stuffed animals, and fluffy bedding or comforters.
They can cover baby’s face and block her breathing. Baby should sleep with a fitted crib
sheet, and if needed, a light blanket that is tucked in and reaches up to his chest.
When babies get overheated it increases the risk of SIDS. Always place baby to sleep on his back!
Babies who sleep on their backs have a much lower risk of SIDS than if on their tummy or side.
www.chadkids.org/goto/childhealthmonth
Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth, Injury Prevention Center, NH Department of Health and Human Services, NH Department of Education, NH Pediatric Society and Safe Kids New Hampshire 10/05
