Infants and Toddlers: The Basics

Diapers, sleepless nights and a helpless baby entirely dependent on you ... It 's a new world for you. And for your baby too! The following tips will help both of you adapt to your new experiences.

For infants:

• Learn the basics. There are many ways for you to learn how to change a diaper or bathe a baby. Read parenting books and magazines. Ask your parents or other parents you know.
• Love your baby. Give all you've got! Talk to your baby. Touch, hold, hug, kiss, smile, and enjoy! It's impossible to spoil a baby with attention. They need as much as you can give.
• Discover what's what. Pay close attention to all the sounds (cooing, babbling, gurgling, and crying) your baby makes, as well as facial expressions and body movements. Each one means something different.
• Never use physical force. The pressures of parenting are very real. You need to find safe, satisfying ways to release them, but never on your baby.

For toddlers:

• Take a deep breath. The assault on your house and your personal belongings ... this too, shall pass. At this stage everything your toddler sees is new, exciting, and waiting to be explored.
• Childproof your house. Pack away your treasures and lock up any dangerous or poisonous items. You'll breathe a lot easier, and you won't have to say "No!" so often.
• Keep the rules simple and few. Your major goal is to keep your toddler safe. Table manners can wait! And, so can toilet training.

If you are struggling with the demands of parenting, the Prevention Information Resource Center and Parent Helpline is available throughout New York State, 24 hours a day, in English and Spanish, at 1-800-342-7472. Someone will listen to your concerns and give you information about programs and services that support parents and children.

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