FAQs for Infant Care Class

We recommend taking your Infant Care Class in your 7th-8th month of pregnancy. You can take this class in conjunction with your childbirth and breastfeeding classes.

This class is intended for expectant parents and parents planning an adoption of an infant. Grandparents are also welcome, as a lot has changed since you were born!

This class will cover a wide variety of topics such as, car seat safety, choosing a pediatrician, well vs. sick babies, when to call the pediatrician, caring for the umbilical cord, feeding, burping bathing, diapering, swaddling, childproofing your home and so much more! There will also be a lot of hands on practice!

Most parents prefer the infant carrier type of car seat for their newborns, as it is the most convenient. But if funds are limited the convertible car seat will also work can be used for a longer period of time.

No matter what type of car seat you choose it must always be NEW! NEVER purchase or use a previously used car seat, as you don't know the history of the seat or if it was involved in an accident. Car Seats also have an expiration date!

All car seats are required to meet the same safety criteria. You should choose the car seat that will fit best in your car, that is easy for you to use and install, and that you will use correctly every time.

Your baby will need to be in the backseat rear-facing (facing the back window) until he/she is 2 years old and 35 pounds. These are the current recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Never place a rear facing car seat in the front seat in front of an active airbag! This can cause serious injury or death.

The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends putting alcohol on the umbilical cord. Just keep it clean and dry and out of the diaper.

Your baby will need to eat 8-12 times a day. Most babies will let you know when they are hungry, but some may need to be woken up for feedings.

Your baby should have at least 1 wet diaper per day of age until 4 days old. By day 4 they should be giving you 6-8 wet diapers a day. Your baby should also have at least 1 dirty diaper per day, although most babies will give you lots of dirty diapers! Their stools should always be soft, never hard.

No, your baby needs their own sleep space and you need yours. There are too many suffocation hazards in your bed (pillows, blankets, sheets, you).

Your baby should sleep on his/her back on a firm mattress in a crib or bassinet, without pillows, blankets, stuffed animals etc. Safe sleep environments and reducing the risk of SIDS will be covered in your infant care class!

Crying is your baby's only form of communication. Your baby will cry when he/she is hungry, tired, needs to burp or needs a diaper change, is lonely or overstimulated and for many other reasons that will be covered in your class.

Your infant care class will also teach you how to soothe and comfort a crying baby.