Allowing Sufficient Time for Baby's Work

Many parents in today's busy culture do not realize that their on-the-go lifestyle keeps a baby from his work... baby's work is play. Infant seats provide safety and convenience, but not the best conditions for neural and motor development. Tummy time, followed by crawling and creeping, is critical for the child's developing mind and body.

Care routines such as feeding and diapering are important times during young children’s lives, as well. They are wonderful opportunities for spending one-to-one time talking to and sharing with each individual child. These times should be relaxed and unhurried and used as special bonding time between caregiver and child.

Be sure to:
Create a physically and emotionally safe environment
Respond to infants and toddlers in a loving, consistent way
Soothe young children when they are upset
Provide infants and toddlers with a structure and routine that they can depend upon
Hug, cuddle, and lovingly touch young children
Give infants and toddlers individual undivided attention at times throughout the day
Praise and encourage young children
Help young children to identify, accept, and express their feelings in safe and respectful ways
Coach young children in social skills
Be a model (children learn by watching the important adults in their lives)

Related Training:
Infant Care Series
Infant and Toddler Care Training Package (26 hour / 2.6 CEU)