Daycare infants in my opinion need extra, extra love and attention. It can't be easy being seperated from your Momma so quickly.

If you run a daycare or are considering a home daycare, think about how many infants you can handle. Don't take on too many and there are certain regulations in your area that do not permit you to have to many infants. I limit the infants I care for because I understand what an infant needs from a caregiver and it's consists of a lot of attention.

Newborns/Infants need . . . .

- to be cuddled and held

- to be told how special they are and talked to constantly, it's important for them to know where their caregiver is and to hear their voice.

- to see faces, preferably smiling ones

- to have their needs tended to at once: check diaper, check if hungry, give pacifier, cuddle, rock to sleep, etc.

Caring for babies is a very rewarding job and the result is a child that knows they are special, loved and cared for. Don't forget to give babies extra love especially if you are a daycare provider. It's hard being separated from your Mommy, a caregiver should be a close second to Mommy and ALL babies deserve to be nurtured.

It's important for a daycare provider to understand that infants require added attention. Be sure to include the infant in activities you are doing with the toddlers and preschoolers. Even if you have them strapped in a backpack carrier or in a bouncy seat, as long as they are there. It's important for an infant to be able to hear and locate their caregiver. It gives them a sense of security. Be sure to always include the infant. An infants brain is stimulated more when they you include them in conversation and activities. Don't just put the baby in a playpen by his or herself in the corner of the daycare. Let them see what the other big kids are doing.

Infants need to develop their fine motor skills so they are able to hold themselves up independently, crawl and eventually walk. Fine motor skills will develop faster and stronger when an infant is included in playful activities and conversation.  Check out our tips on teaching your infant sign language.  Imagine being able to talk to your infant/toddler even before they can speak? Check out Daycare School's Sign Language Kids!

One of the ways you can make an infants (and yours) life easier in your daycare is to begin using American Sign Language.

An infant cannot speak words so they cry, whimper and have tantrums and the caregiver/parent doesn't understand what they want. Signing can bridge this gap helping babies and toddlers communicate their needs clearly and in turn giving them much satisfaction. Babies/Toddlers love sign language and it's a great communication tool for infants in your daycare.

Sign language is not hard to learn, in fact I taught myself just using DVD's and free videos on YouTube. It's all about repetition and positive encouragement and feedback. I was amazed at the difference it made in my daycare and how well the babies and toddlers responded. I encourage you to give it a try. Check out all my resources at http://hubpages.com/hub/Signlanguagekids