Infant Needs

What are the most basic needs of an infant? I believe they fit into two categories, material and emotional. Let's take a look at the material needs first, since that is what we most commonly think of when determining an infant's needs.

Just like all humans, infants need food, clothes and shelter. Breast milk is the ideal food for babies. The circumstances under which a baby cannot be breastfed are very rare. For the majority of babies, all it takes is a little support, and they will be easily breastfed the perfect food for them in their early months and years.

Clothes for an infant can be simple one piece snap-up rompers. While it is popular to dress your infant in the latest styles and trendy clothing, this is not something that the infant needs. Infants need to be kept warm and comfortable, and that is what should be kept in mind when choosing clothes.

And the final basic need is shelter. Your home doesn't have to be anything special. In fact the infant doesn't even need his own room, he will happily share your bed.

A baby's emotional needs are a bit more complex. It is important to make a new infant feel as loved, cared for and secure as possible. Since newborn babies do not have a concept of object permanence, it is important that they be with a caregiver at all times.

The only way an infant has to communicate with his caregivers is by crying. Often times, however, it is easy to meet the infant's needs before he cries. For instance, a baby who is turning his head from side to side with an open mouth (called rooting) is looking for food. We need to believe in the communication value of a baby's cry, and do what we can to meet the need he is trying to express.

So this might sound draining. We need to be with our baby at all times, watch for communication cues and respond at all times. What else will there be time for? Well this is why I recommend that parents have at least one (if not a couple!) good baby carrier. By carrying your baby in a soft-cloth sling or wrap, you can keep baby near you, warm and content, while you go about your day. It's even possible to breastfeed hands free!

Using your carrier to meet your infant's emotional needs is also a great way to meet his material needs, while keeping within your budget. A cloth carrier can keep baby warm (especially when sharing body heat with mom or dad), it eliminates the need for somewhere to put baby, like a bouncer or a swing, and in warmer weather the baby can go into the carrier with only a diaper on, meaning less clothes are needed, and less laundry!