Training Hub
Training Hub
Infant Care

Infant Care

Infant Care

Infant Care

Caring for an infant/small child can be hard! These small humans can’t just tell you what they need with words! Our staff play a crucial role in creating a safe and nurturing environment. One of the best ways to care for infants is to give them attention. That doesn’t mean that you ignore all the rest of the children while you cuddle a baby!

Babies should not be left in a swing, bouncer, or car seat for an extended period of time. Children should have room in a safe infant space where they can crawl, engage in tummy time, and have time to explore. A staff must be in the infant area when there are children in the space. This space should be for children ages 6 weeks-walking. Staff should be fully engaged with the infants in their care.

Crying, including long periods of inconsolable crying, is a normal behavior in infants. Try calming a crying baby by rocking gently, swaddling in a blanket, offering a pacifier, singing or talking softly, or even bouncing on an exercise ball. If you are getting upset, focus on calming yourself down. Shaking, throwing or hitting a baby is never the right response to crying. If you feel yourself becoming angry or frustrated, it’s ok to ask for help! Ask a coworker to care for the child while you take a break. If a child is crying for more than 10 minutes, contact the child’s guardian either by text, phone call, or by locating them in the building. If you do not have enough staff available for one of you to locate the parent, call up to Member Services to ask them to assist you.

If a baby falls asleep while in our care, lay them in the crib on their back. The crib must have a tight-fitting crib sheet on the mattress. Do not put toys or blankets in the crib with the baby. If a baby falls asleep in a swing, they must also be moved to the crib or pack and play. Once babies can roll from back to stomach and stomach to back, you can leave them in the position they choose after starting sleep on their back. Infants require active supervision to keep them safe, even while they sleep.