What is required for supervising meal time for infants in a child care facility?

The requirement for supervising meal time for infants in a child care facility emphasizes the importance of safety and bonding during feeding. Holding infants during bottle feedings is considered best practice because it ensures that caregivers can closely monitor the child while they eat. This practice significantly reduces the risk of aspiration, which can occur if an infant is fed from a propped bottle. Additionally, being held provides emotional comfort and fosters a connection between the caregiver and the infant, encouraging a positive feeding experience.

The other options either present unsafe feeding practices or do not align with developmental needs. Allowing infants to be fed from propped bottles poses serious safety hazards, as it can lead to choking or increases the risk of ear infections. Self-feeding in highchairs may not be appropriate for very young infants who are not yet developmentally ready for that level of independence or skill. Finally, keeping infants in highchairs all day is not conducive to their physical and emotional well-being, as it restricts movement and does not allow for necessary interactions or opportunities to explore their environment. Thus, holding infants during bottle feedings is the safest and most supportive approach from both a physical and emotional standpoint.