Infants
July 2017
What Should I Do With These Babies?
Have you ever stopped to take a moment to think about how you are going to get an art project done, or a Ready, Set, GROW! activity completed in your infant room? Stresses you out doesn't it! I can tell you that you are not alone. The infant room can be a hectic room. Every infant is on a different schedule, some are awake, some are sleeping, this ones eating now, and the others eat later. It is a lot to handle, and just when you think you have it sort of under control, there is a poop explosion up a baby's back that requires all hands on deck. We are going to take a look at how you can teach your infants and how you can have activities ready to go each day!
Sensory Fun
Sensory play for infants should be done in a manner that is safe for them. Remember to use items that are non toxic, edible, safe, and of course supervision is also key. Sensory activities help engage the infants 5 senses using everyday materials. While the infants are exploring the items that are on hand, talk with them. This is the time when cognitive and language development are being strengthened. Infants are also working on their fine and gross motor skills when engaging in sensory play. Remember not to make sensory activities too over stimulating for the little ones in your care.
Let's Get Messy!
When it comes to art projects, the messier the better! Have some activities planned that involve the infants in your care creating the projects instead of you and your assistants making them perfect. Parents will appreciate the artwork that their child created even if it isn't right in your eyes, to the parents, it is PERFECT! Take the plunge out of your comfort zone, strip those babies down to their diapers and let them have some fun!
Tummy Time Benefits
At Rainbow Child Care Center, we aim for a least restrictive environment when it comes to the infant rooms. We want to ensure that each infant is able to spread their arms and legs instead of being strapped in a device all day. We want the infants to be able to explore their surroundings free of restraint while also developing major muscle groups.
Tummy time helps infants to strengthen their back, neck and of course trunk muscles. Developing these muscles helps prepare them for sitting, crawling and walking. Infants who are always placed on their backs risk developing positional plagiocephaly which is basically a flat head. Another medical condition that is lessened with the use of tummy time is torticollis, which is when the neck muscles tighten up and pull the infants head in one specific direction. When in doubt, place those babies on the floor and allow them to experience a whole different environment on ground level!
https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Patients-Clients/ChildrenAndYouth/Tummy-Time.aspx
Rainbow Child Care Pinterest Page
There are so many great resources out there for both parents and teachers. While we have every theme pinned on our Rainbow Child Care Center Pinterest Board, we also have a board that is Just For Babies! This age group has a few more restrictions than others and can leave you wondering just what to do. We are always adding more and more activities for you to plan to add to your lessons.
Website: https://www.pinterest.com/rainbowccc/just-for-babies/