Infants (Birth - 12 months)

Play for infants:

• Soft music, singing and rocking
• Looking into mirrors and at faces
• Soft toys, rattles, and toys that light up and make music
• Shaking items as well as throwing them

Social interactions:

• Infants can show pleasure and pain by making noises
• Infants are sleeping on and off between feedings and 4-6 hours at night
• Talking to infants and moving their arms and legs helps promote development

Common stressors and fears of infants in the hospital:

• Separation from caregiver
• Over or under stimulation
• Disrupted routine

What you can do to help while your infant is in the hospital:

• Be present and participate in your infant's care as much as possible
• Bring favorite items from home (blanket, pacifier, etc.)
• Avoid keeping bright lights on in the room
• Allow for ways to have "play time"
• Try to maintain a routine for eating and sleeping
• Allow them to suck on their pacifier or hand, including during procedures.  Sucking is a way for infants to soothe themselves.
• Remain calm and relaxed whenever possible.  Infants can feel tension in our bodies and respond to it by becoming stressed.