Provide Care and Support to Infants and Toddlers
What this domain covers
The exam tests safe routine care for infants (0-12 months) and toddlers (1-3 years): feeding, bathing, diapering, sleep, growth monitoring, and knowing when to refer. Strong answers show supervision, hygiene, and developmental awareness, not just memorized schedules.
Core rules
- Feeding: support breastfeeding; if formula-feeding, follow label dilution, sterilize bottles, test temperature on the inner wrist, and burp. No honey before 12 months, no cow's milk as the main drink before 12 months, and no water for newborns.
- Diapering: change promptly, wipe front to back, clean skin folds, dry well, and note changes in stool or urine.
- Bathing: test water at about 37-38 °C, support the head and back, gather supplies first, and never leave the child alone.
- Safe sleep: place the baby on the back on a firm surface, with no pillow, bumper, or soft toy; share the room, not the bed.
- Monitoring: track weight, height, head circumference, immunization, and milestones; refer delays.
Worked example
A 6-month-old cries and arches after a bottle. The caregiver stops feeding, holds the baby upright, burps, checks the diaper, and confirms the formula was mixed correctly. Because crying continues, the caregiver checks temperature and breathing, then contacts the health worker. Reasoning: overfeeding, swallowed air, and illness are more likely than 'spoiled' behavior; the response is comfort, observation, and referral when persistent.
Traps that lose marks
- Putting a baby to sleep on the side or stomach.
- Adding cereal to a bottle or giving water to a newborn.
- Leaving a child on a changing table or in the bath 'for a second.'
- Using cotton buds inside the ear or nose.