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I don't usually hold the child during the first interview because it isn't fair to the child as I am a complete stranger in a strange place and it is usually evening so just before bedtime when they are not at their most alert and as a provider I need to respect that. If the child comes near me - assuming mom even puts the child down on the floor I will engage, touch, put my arm around and then towards the end of the interview say so will you let me pick you up - then if child plays strange well it has been a long night for them and everyone is ok with it not going well. If mom doesn't even put the child down then I usually also keep my distance unless mom offers something more. Truthfully the first interview is about business not integration. Yes I need to get to know the child but it is more important that I get to know the parents and their needs at this point.
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Yes I do, especially if they are really wee (I like to get my fix lol) however if they are not receptive, I don't push it. I do always spend time engaging with the child (baby)
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I do what feel natural. I not make point of picking up for show! I not ignore baby either. If baby come to me or near me, I interact like I normal would.
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I don't carry them around normally, so I don't during interview. I do play with them if they come to me, smile at them often, etc. We're usually all sitting on the floor in the play room, so the child would rather be exploring than cuddling with a stranger.
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It all depends on the parents. If they have the baby out of the carrier, on the floor, if they hand her/him to me, then yes, of course. I won't usually ask outright. But as for not even interacting, how could you not? Who doesn't want to play with babies?
