Infant and Toddler Play Environments

Creating Ideal Play Environments for Infants and Toddlers  that meet Developmental Needs High-quality settings must be safe, engaging, flexible, and responsive to the sensory and exploratory behaviours of children.

Play spaces should encompass areas for rest, sensory activity and physical activity. Soft furnishings, soft lighting and natural materials help to create this comforting environment (Nolan & Raban, 2015).

Baskets of shells, fabric squares, stacking blocks, and repurposed household objects are all open-ended materials that invoke creativity and problem-solving, and are in support of schemas in our children’s development (AERC, 2023).

Safety is very important , including appropriate furniture for their age, non-toxic materials used and consistent supervision policies. Spaces need to grow with children and change to suit their advancing competencies and interests (Arthur et al., 2020).