The beginning of this semester marks the start of the RealCare Baby assignment in Child Development. This three day, two night project is a way to help students understand firsthand what it takes to care for a child.
RealCare Babies have five different reasons for crying: they are hungry, need a diaper change, need to be burped, want to be rocked, or they’re just fussy. When they’re fussy, it can last around 30 minutes and gets louder and louder unless you rock them. The baby’s settings are based on multiple real babies to get a realistic simulation.
This assignment is similar to a real child in multiple ways. It has many of the same needs as a real baby and wakes you in the middle of the night. It also can feel its head not being supported and can report shaken baby syndrome.
However, the project also proved very different from actually caring for a child. For starters, the baby is less work than a real child because it has fewer needs that last for less time. For example, it didn’t need someone to play with it or help it fall asleep. It also doesn’t get sick or have a diaper rash like a real child. Despite this, the RealCare Baby seems more difficult than most would think because it lacks all the good things that come with a real baby.
When someone has a real child- sure it’s hard and requires a lot of patience- but it’s all worth it to see them smile when they see their parent’s face, or stop crying when they feel their parent’s touch. With a real child you get to watch them grow up and see things like their first steps. That’s what makes it bearable, even if only a little.
Overall, this project is truly amazing for what it is, a way to show students how difficult it is to raise a child and hopefully help them to think about it a lot before choosing to have one. Despite the lack of fun, and sleep, reported back from those who have done the project, it’s a great way for students to get firsthand experience in caring for a child.
