Unit 32 Care for the Physical and Nutritional Needs of Babies and Young Children

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Care for the Physical and Nutritional needs of babies and young children. Every family looks after their children in their own way. As a foster carer I have to be aware that I may be given a child to look after from a different background, whether cultural or ethnic background. One LAC I cared for was Eastern European. I asked birth mum (through an interpreter) if she wanted me to use any Hungarian phrases, words or play any Hungarian songs. She said it didn't matter but as she spoke to him in her language I googled some simple phrases and words that I could say to the child which I thought might help comfort him as he was 11 weeks old when he came to stay with me. No matter which background a child comes from it is important to keep skin clean especially the hands of a baby as they are always putting them in their mouths. If I'm looking after a baby I can ask birth parents if they use any particular oils or lotions on their baby or use anything in particular for the bath. Babies with eczema should just have clear water or use prescribed bath oils or after bath treatment. Depending on hair type there are lots of baby shampoos available including cradle cap shampoo which helps soften and remove cradle cap. I tend to wash hair in the bath and may do it every other day. Some hair types, for example Afro Caribbean are better washed only once a week. I would ask parents for advice on the care of baby's hair and have been told in the past to use a wide toothed comb to gently remove tangles and use a gentle shampoo or jojoba oil to help prevent breakage. Babies should have there teeth cleaned twice a day using circular movements. For very small babies I start cleaning teeth as soon as they appear and do it a bath time as it can be very messy. A soft small headed toothbrush should be used. The health visitor can advise on cleaning teeth and will also

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