This class is designed to provide expectant and adoptive parents with important information about infant care and development. Among the practical topics covered are:
• bathing and diapering your baby
• feeding your baby
• taking your baby’s temperature
• early care (circumcision, umbilical cord)
• crying and calming
• sleep safety
• knowing when to call your baby’s health care provider
• infant massage
• childproofing and safety (including pet safety)
• understanding early brain development and attachment.
Learning this information during your pregnancy, rather than in the hospital, will give you more time after birth to rest and get acquainted with your baby. Grandparents who plan to help you during those first crucial weeks may enjoy this refresher of their parenting skills. Adoptive parents will find that the hands-on practice provides valuable preparation.
This class is best taken during the second half of your pregnancy.