This is the first article in a year long series that presents the experiences of a fictitious couple, Amita and Samir, as they learn to adapt to the reality of having a premature baby with special needs. Doris, the fictitious nurse who took care of baby Anjali in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), has had ten years of experience working in…

Examines the physical damage of shaken-baby syndrome (SBS), noting that many parents and caregivers are unaware that shaking infants is dangerous. Argues that helping parents and caregivers better understand infant behavior and manage their frustrations could significantly reduce the occurrence of SBS and other types of abuse. Highlights efforts…

Shaken baby syndrome describes the serious injuries that can occur when a very young child is severely or violently shaken, causing the brain to move back and forth inside the skull. The syndrome usually originates when a parent or other caregiver shakes a baby out of anger or frustration, often because the baby would not stop crying or…

This document compiles several fact sheets, in multiple languages, for mothers and parent educators providing information and answering questions concerning breastfeeding infants. The fact sheets are published in English, French, and Spanish, and cover the following topics: (1) "Recommended Practices To Improve Infant Nutrition during the…

Noting that accidents are the leading cause of death among infants and children today, this book provides comprehensive guideline for preparing a safe home and caregiving environment for children from birth to around 3 years of age. Following an introduction, the chapters are organized by rooms of a house, with topics listed alphabetically within…

Information on how warm and responsive care can help shape infants' and toddlers' development and their ability to learn can be reassuring for concerned parents. This guide, in English and Spanish versions, presents quality child care as a partnership between the child caregiver and the parents with the primary goal of benefiting the child. The…

Because sleep disturbances are common in childhood, almost every parent will have to deal with a child's sleeptime problems at some point. This guide offers information on sleep in children from birth through adolescence. The book answers common questions from parents, and provides advice on preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, getting infants…

From time to time, every parent must evaluate a child's symptoms of illness or developmental problems and decide what action to take. This reference book is designed to help parents distinguish minor everyday problems from more serious conditions, and to suggest a reasonable course of action. The book is divided into two major sections: an A to Z…

This series of 10 booklets provides information to new parents on their infants' behavior and development. The topics covered in the four-page booklets are: (1) "Welcome to the World of Babies," including information on infants' communication, baby books, and developmental milestones from birth to 9 months; (2) "Language: All about Communication,"…

This pamphlet from the Colorado State Board of Education lists activities that parents and caregivers should see in schools that are providing high-quality care and education for young children. The quality indicators are listed by age group (infant/toddler, 3- to 5-year-olds, 6- to 8-year-olds) and are presented as responses to the question,…

Providing young infants with a loving and interesting environment through play will have a positive impact on their future. This book, designed for first time parents, provides simple and enjoyable activities intended to promote brain development during the first year. The book's introduction discusses the importance of the environment during the…

Distributed by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Education, and Health and Human Services, this pamphlet provides parents with information and advice about their infants in the tenth month of life. Following a brief description of developmental characteristics at this age, the pamphlet offers advice on a variety of topics, including: guarding…

Distributed by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Education, and Health and Human Services, this pamphlet provides parents with information and advice about their infants in the eighth month of life. Following a brief description of developmental characteristics at this age, the pamphlet offers advice on a variety of topics, including: ways to…

Distributed by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Education, and Health and Human Services, this pamphlet provides parents with information and advice about their infants in the sixth month of life. Following a brief description of developmental characteristics at this age, the pamphlet offers advice on a variety of topics, including: finding a…

Distributed by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Education, and Health and Human Services, this pamphlet provides parents with information and advice about their infants in the ninth month of life. Following a brief description of developmental characteristics at this age, the pamphlet offers advice on a variety of topics, including: ways to…