Care for the Physical and Nutritional Needs of Babies and Young Children

Unit aim

The aim of this unit is to assess competence in caring for the physical and nutritional needs of babies and young children. This covers children up to 36 months of age. It includes the physical care routines and ensuring that the environment is suitable for children.

Learning outcomes

1 Be able to provide respectful physical care for babies and young children

1.1 Show behaviour that models cultural and ethnic awareness when caring for babies and young children’s:

Skin

Hair

Teeth

Nappy area

1.2 Plan strategies to ensure the preferences of carers are taken into account in the provision of physical care

1.3 Show respectful behaviour when working with babies or young children

1.4 Provide personalised physical care tailored to individual babies or young children’s needs

1.5 Provide personalised physical care that follows organisational and regulatory procedures that protect babies, young children and practitioners

2 Be able to provide routines for babies and young children that support their health and development

2.1 Plan daily and weekly routines for babies and young children to meet individual needs

2.2 Plan strategies for incorporating effective toilet training into routines

3 Be able to provide opportunities for exercise and physical activity

3.1 Plan how to support babies or young children’s exercise and physical activity

4 Be able to provide safe and protective environments for babies and young children

4.1 Identify policies and procedures that cover health, safety and protection of babies and young children

4.2 Evaluate the safety features within the environment for babies and young children

4.3 Supervise babies or young children in own setting

4.4 Apply a balanced approach to risk management in own setting

4.5 Identify current advice on minimising sudden infant death syndrome in everyday routines for babies

5 Be able to provide for the nutritional needs of babies under 18 months

5.1 Identify current government guidance the nutritional needs of babies until they are fully weaned

5.2 Plan a programme of weaning

5.3 Prepare formula feeds hygienically following current guidance

5.4 Evaluate the benefits of different types of formula that are commonly available

6 Be able to provide for the nutritional needs of young children from 18- 36 months

6.1 Plan meals for young children that meet their nutritional needs based on:

Current government guidance

Information from carers

6.2 Identify food allergies and intolerances that a young child may experience

6.3 Review plans to ensure parent and/or carer’s instructions on the needs of their child are accounted for