255 Chapter 11 Providing for the Infant’s Developmental Needs
and housing. However, a few
guidelines are important.
Babies should sleep away from
major activities. Parents might use
a screen to section off part of their
bedroom to make a private sleeping
area for the baby. Others have babies
share space with an older sibling.
Another option for some parents is
providing the baby his or her own
bedroom or bedroom/playroom.
The sleeping area should be
large enough for a full-size crib
and other furnishings. Children
often sleep in a crib until they
are three years old or 35 inches
tall. Many parents like to have a
dressing/changing table. Some
parents are purchasing convertible
furniture that will grow with the
child. For example, some cribs
can be converted to youth or even
adult beds. Dressing/changing
tables can be made by attaching
a vinyl-covered pad and safety
belt to a dresser. Later it can be
changed back into a dresser or an
entertainment center. An adult-size
rocker is convenient for the baby’s
sleeping area. Parents also need
storage space for clothing and
baby products. Purchasing a closet
system allows for adapting storage
as the child’s needs change.
If adults plan a playroom, they
should not expect a baby to stay
there all the time. Children like to
be near others. During the fi rst year,
babies need places to play and toys
in several rooms where household
activities take place. A playyard
may be used for short periods of
time, especially when babies need
a safe place to play. Parents should
limit total time spent in a playyard
to no more than two hours per day,
however. Babies need to be able to
11-11
In an enriched environment,
babies are eager to explore the
age-appropriate toys offered to them.
move and explore freely in order
to develop crawling, creeping, and
walking skills.
Intellectual Needs
Babies need more than physical
care to help them grow. Experts
know that babies are born with the
ability to learn. They also know
babies need an environment that
offers them chances to learn. This
is called an enriched environment,
11-11. One study found that babies
whose caregivers expected them
to learn at an early age developed
more quickly than other babies. This
may be because adults who expect
more provide more activities to help
babies learn.
Adults can provide learning
experiences for babies soon after
birth. In fact, the sooner adults