Early experiences of being cared for by responsive adults and opportunities to observe and interact with others are critical for developing trust, empathy, cooperation, and self-control in children. It is challenging work because of the high dependence of infants and toddlers on adults and the variability in their development.1- Margetts, K. (2005). RESPONSIVE CAREGIVING: REDUCING THE STRESS IN INFANT TODDLER CARE. (Undetermined). International Journal of Early Childhood, 37(2), 77–84.
Swaddling promotes quiet sleep and may be a useful strategy to encourage safe sleep practices in infants. Researchers explored the effect of a swaddling education intervention on infant sleep practices in an urban minority community.2- Kelly, B., Irigoyen, M., Pomerantz, S., Mondesir, M., & Isaza-Brando, N. (2017). Swaddling and Infant Sleeping Practices. Journal of Community Health, 42(1), 10–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-016-0219-1
Tuning in to the uniqueness of a child's individuality during diapering by responding with sensitivity and encouragement in an unhurried manner sends a powerful message to children about their bodily functions.3- Laurin, D. E. (2018). One Diaper at a Time: Re-Envisioning Diapering Routines With Infants and Toddlers. Zero to Three, 39(2), 11–20.
Researchers found that among the infants of 6, 9 and 12 months of age, four dietary patterns were established from 6 to 12 months.4- Lim, G. H., Toh, J. Y., Aris, I. M., Chia, A. R., Han, W. M., Saw, S. M., Godfrey, K. M., Gluckman, P. D., Chong, Y. S., Yap, F., Lee, Y. S., Kramer, M. S., & Chong, M. F. (2016). Dietary Pattern Trajectories from 6 to 12 Months of Age in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Cohort. Nutrients, 8(6), 365. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060365
The patterns consisted of Predominantly Breastmilk (mainly breastmilk and less formula milk), Guidelines (rice porridge, vegetables, fruits and low-fat fish and meat), Easy-to-prepare foods (infant cereals, juices, cakes and biscuits), and Noodles (in soup) and Seafood (noodle and common accompaniments). This study is based on the GUSTO mother-offspring cohort.
