Identify and describe the different care needs for the following age ranges: 0-1, 1-3, 3-5, 5-8

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Identify and describe the different care needs for the following age ranges: 0-1, 1-3, 3-5, 5-8

A child’s care needs will vary according to age, but it is important to remember that all children are individual and will therefore have differing needs. Children’s needs reflect their physical, educational, emotional, social, and language development. “To achieve and maintain healthy growth and all-round (holistic) development, certain basic needs must be fulfilled.” (Bruce, T and Meggitt, C. 2005. p.316). There are also additional needs that children require for a healthy development, but that are not essential for survival.

At 0-1 all of a child’s care needs will be met by the adult. A baby needs enough food to nourish and allow development- physically and mentally.  A baby’s food and nutrients can be solely found in milk until approximately 6months.  It is ideal to for a baby to receive breast milk, preferably by breast feeding as “human breast milk provides food constituents in the correct balance for human growth.” (Bruce, T and Meggitt, C. 2005. p.334) However this is not always possible. Usually from 3months a baby is slowly weaned onto solid food to further their nutritional needs as milk alone will no longer be enough. They won’t actually be able to take solids until approximately 6months when they start to chew. Before this, food would need to be pureed for safety, and for encouragement of new tastes and textures. The feeding times of a baby also need to be considered.

A baby also needs shelter and a safe environment in order to feel secure. Clothing for 0-1years needs to allow unrestricted movement, be easy to put on and off, be suitable to the environment and temperature, and be made of natural materials for the baby’s skin to breathe. Safety is also an important factor in clothing as ribbons and buttons could be choking hazards. Hygiene at this age involves bathing- in order to keep clean and prevent illness but it is not essential everyday for young babies. During bathing the baby’s hair should also be washed. After each feed the nappy of a baby should be changed and it is necessary to be vigilant in this in order to avoid nappy rash. When teeth start to develop they should be cleaned twice a day with a minute amount of baby toothpaste.

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“Babies need a routine which is not rigid but which provides them with the continuity and security- a secure baby is a settled baby.” (Green, S. 2006. p.165). To keep energy levels up and to prevent illness babies need a large amount of sleep, especially in the first few weeks. It is also important to ensure the baby gets fresh air and a moderate level of sunlight. Babies need this, again to prevent illness and help development. Stimulation is important to allow learning and encouragement and praise should be actively used. Finally babies also need love and affection to promote bonding ...

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