Page 4 - LESSION 10.pmd

Care of Children in Early Years

of sleep gradually decreases, but the length of night time sleep increases.

• Exercise: Babies in the first four weeks only move their limbs. This helps
Notes them to get an idea of space. Slowly, they begin to roll over, stay on their
stomach and be able to attempt creeping, crawling and pulling themselves
to a standing position. Games and play with infants are good exercises.

10.2.3 Immunization and Promotive Health Care
Immunization is the process that makes a person immune or resistant to an
infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. These vaccines
stimulate the body’s own immune system to protect the person against
subsequent infection or disease. Immunisation prevents children from getting
diseases for which there are often no medical treatments. It is given high priority
in the care of infants as it can protect them from life- threatening diseases. Soon
after birth, an immunisation card is prepared for the newborn to get vaccinated
as per schedule. The following table shows the age at which each vaccination
has to be administered.

Age Vaccine

Birth BCG, OPV, Hepatitis B, HPV

6 Weeks DPT, OPV, HiB, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B

10 Weeks DPT, OPV, Hepatitis B, HiB, Pneumococcal, IPV

14 Weeks OPV, DPT, HepatitisB, HiB, Pneumococcal, IPV

6 Months Rotavirus, Influenza, HPV
9 Months Measles

12 Months Varicella

15 Months MMR, Pneumococcal Booster, IPV

18 Months OPV, DPT, HiB Booster, Hepatitis A

2 Years Typhoid, Hepatitis A

4 Years MMR

5 Years OPV, DPT Booster

Source: National Immunization Schedule for Infants and Children

10.2.4 Cleanliness and Hygiene
Cleanliness and hygiene play a crucial role in protecting children from infection.
Following a routine of good hygiene practices and keeping the environment

4 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION