Throughout infancy, babies depend entirely on their parents and caregivers for basic needs as they begin to gradually explore their new environment. Almost any interaction with a baby can provide parents with opportunities for encouraging their infant’s growth and development. Showing them plenty of attention, basic care and love are the cornerstones for promoting healthy infancy development.  

Safety is another important component of infant health and development. Newborns and babies up to 5 months old should always be put to sleep on their back to reduce risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Parents and other caregivers should use a firm mattress and avoid placing fluffy blankets, stuffed animals, pillows or any material in an infant’s crib that can cause smothering.

Vehicle safety should be enforced at all times, even when traveling short distances. Babies should always be strapped into a rear-facing or convertible car safety seat placed in the back seat of a vehicle before driving.

Infants should never be left unattended – even for short periods – or with young siblings or pets, especially on surfaces (e.g., bed, changing table) where they may wiggle or roll over and fall, or in or near water (e.g., bathtub). Older infants who can crawl or walk are at increased risk for accidents and injuries. Therefore, potentially dangerous areas of a home, such as the windows, stairs and kitchen entrances should be blocked off by using special gates or guards. Any household rooms that are not childproof should be kept locked at all times. Preferably, parents should childproof a home prior to their baby’s birth.

To prevent poisoning, all household cleaners, chemicals and medicines should be stored out of an infant’s reach. Furniture with sharp edges should be removed or soft guards should be put on these to prevent injuries. Small objects (e.g., coins, safety pins, toys) or plastic bags also should be kept out of a baby’s reach to prevent choking. One should never carry hot liquids or foods when holding a baby, and dangerous appliances (e.g., irons) need to be kept out of their reach.

All households with infants should have a well-stocked first-aid kit as well as a list of important phone numbers (e.g., Poison Control Centers, neighborhood hospitals). Parents and caregivers may also learn to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on infants by taking special classes.

Other ways parents and other caregivers can promote healthy infancy development include:

• Encourage bonding. Spend time cuddling, holding, rocking, caressing and kissing a baby. This will help newborns feel safe, secure and loved.
  
  
• Support age-appropriate physical activity. For instance, give newborns enough space so that they are able to stretch and move their arms and legs. These movements can help them strengthen and tone muscles. It is also important to let newborns turn and lift their heads by changing their positions regularly.
  
  As they get older, around age 2 to 3 months, place infants on their stomachs while awake to develop neck and back muscles. Also, allow babies who can crawl or walk to explore the home by placing them on the floor. However, do not leave them unattended and make sure the home is childproof.
  
  
• Stimulate learning and play. Play music to stimulate an infant’s hearing. Provide babies toys with different textures that encourage them to explore with their fingers. However, make sure the toys are safe and age-appropriate. Most toy manufacturers label new toys for specific age groups. Also sing, recite rhymes and do finger plays (e.g., peek-a-boo) with a baby.
  
  
• Nurture language development. Talk and read often to a baby – and name objects while pointing to pictures in a book. Use simple words that apply to an infant’s everyday life. Various studies indicate that simple conversation lays the groundwork for a baby’s language development – even before they can understand a word.
  
  
• Manage separation anxiety. One can help infants cope with this common fear by making sure they are well rested and fed before leaving them with a babysitter or other caregiver. It may also help to distract a baby, such as with a favorite toy, at such times.
  
  
• Take care of personal health. Because parenting can be physically, mentally and emotionally draining, it is recommended that parents take time to take care of themselves. This can be done by eating a well-balanced, healthful diet and getting adequate rest and exercise.