Primary Needs

Primary Needs

1. Warmth

   • Suitable bed/cot
     • The best form of bed for a newborn is one with 3 or more sides; this ensures that the baby is not at risk of falling out of the cot and possibly suffering from injuries to he growing spinal cord and brain.
   • Temperature
     • The recommended best temperature for newborn babies is between 20-22°C. This is because they are so small and they are still growing. To achieve this temperature clothing such as babygrows, hats and mittens are necessary, also equipment such as fans and AC is also necessary. Keeping a newborn baby at this temperature can also reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

2. Food

   • 0-6 months
     • From 0-6 months a newborn baby is in need of basic nutrients to strengthen and continue growing. Therefore, they need mostly depend on formula or breast milk. Newborns usually consume up to 24 ounces of milk in 24 hours.
   • 6-12 months
     • From 6-12 months the baby can now eat puréed food, such as mashed up fruit, vegetables and eggs. This helps to develop their palette and help the baby chew.
   • 12+ months
     • From 12+ months the parent are recommended to follow the 5532 food guide (https://www.nutrition.org.uk/life-stages/toddlers-and-preschool/5532-portion-sizes/) This includes introducing new textures and flavours

3. Clothing

   • Sleepwear
     • During the time a baby sleeps, they should be wearing lots of layers. This is because it traps given air warming it and the baby. They should also be wearing something that is smooth to touch to prevent skin irritation.
   • Daywear
     • When a baby isn't sleeping, it should most likely wear something comfortable and easy to remove such as a stretchy jumpsuit. It should also have a large head gap to fit and support the baby's large head.

4. Home Requirements

   • Bedroom
     • Providing a secure and warm place for a baby to sleep in is very important for the child's safety. It is also a parental requirement to make sure that this is payed for (mortgage/rent)
   • Other rooms
     • By making sure there are no trip hazards to assure that the person carrying the baby falls is a parental responsibility. Also by softening hard corners (such as tables and bed corners) prevents the child from falling onto it's back and smacking their head while doing so.