In this unit, you will learn how to safely care for infants. The learning goals of this unit are:
- recognizing potential safety concerns that are specific to infants so you may prevent them
- understanding the infant safety practices in the U.S. that you will be expected to follow throughout your stay
Topic 1 – Indoor & Outdoor Safety
When caring for an infant, you will need to regularly change the child’s diaper. It is unsafe and negligent to leave an infant in a wet or soiled diaper.
Topic 2 – bathing
One of your responsibilities may be to ensure all the children in care take regular baths. Bathing an infant is different than bathing an older child and you will need to follow all of the safety precautions.
Topic 3- Eating and Allergies
While you are working, you will be responsible for feeding the children in your host family. Infants have a very different diet than older children and you will need to ensure that you are safely feeding all of the children in your care.
Topic 4- Infant Equipment
Infants will have furniture and toys that are designed to protect and stimulate this age group. You will need to know how to use all of the equipment and follow the safety precautions.
