Find out from parents how their baby communicates needs. Ensure that parents and carers who speak languages other than English are able to share their views.
Be ready to support babies when they experience changes in exploration energy and suddenly need adult attention: this response enables the physiological basis for later self-regulation.
Use feeding, changing and bathing times to share finger and toe plays such as “Round and Round the Garden”.
Allow enough time for respectful care, ensuring that babies know what is going to happen next, watching for their cues and allowing them the opportunity to participate in age appropriate ways.
Make sure that clothing enables mobility and does not present any hazards, for example, jeans and dresses can prevent crawling and cause trips.
Help babies use their feet in crawling and standing by removing footwear whenever possible.
Explain to parents how supporting self-directed movement provides the basis for motor planning, self-regulation and lifelong wellbeing.
Share toddler’s interest in noises in the environment when outside, helping them to locate and understand the sound they have picked out.
Discuss with parents about jointly taking care of teeth as they appear, introducing a cleaning routine that is enjoyable and links with nutrition
