Co-parents of infants face difficult circumstances

A child custody case involving an infant has some very unique challenges that have to be worked through so that the baby can get everything he or she needs. There are many points that you have to consider when you are dealing with this type of situation.

One of the most important considerations is how the baby is being fed. If the mother is breastfeeding the baby, there is a chance that she won’t be able to leave the baby for long until her milk supply is established and the baby is able to eat from a bottle.

Some parents opt to use supplemental feedings where the baby uses infant formula from a bottle when the father has the baby. Others transport stored breast milk for the father to feed the baby. When the baby isn’t with the mother, she might pump to keep her milk supply up until the baby returns.

Another consideration is child care. Finding a suitable caregiver for an infant is challenging because you need someone who has experience with little ones. Using a nanny who cares for the child at both homes is ideal but not everyone can make that type of arrangement.

Infants might not be able to handle long times away from the primary caregiver. This means that longer visits, such as one-week spans, might not be possible. Of course, when the child is older, the visitation schedule can change to include longer times with the noncustodial parent.

Babies need stability, so whatever arrangement is used should be consistent. This will help the child to thrive despite the less-than-ideal circumstances.

Source: Psychology Today, “Co-Parenting Infants and Very Young Children,” Edward Kruk, Ph.D., accessed March 09, 2018