Open-ended play activities are all about freedom, exploration, and creativity—especially powerful in early childhood settings where babies and toddlers are discovering the world through their senses and movement. Here’s a rich collection of examples tailored for babies (0–18 months), with variations to suit different developmental stages and settings.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week with babies aged 0–12 months is a beautiful opportunity to introduce them to the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through sensory, visual, and rhythmic experiences. Here are some gentle, age-appropriate ideas tailored for your littlest learners.

This template can be used as a summative assessment for babies.

Creating a stimulating and safe environment for babies is essential for their development. Babies thrive on exploration, and the right toys can help them develop essential skills while keeping them engaged. The following article provides a list of toys and activities that stimulate a baby’s senses and encourage development.

A Curiosity Approach environment fosters exploration, creativity, and sensory-rich experiences, making learning feel natural and engaging. Here are some additional ideas to enhance your nursery room setup.

When we talk about programming and planning for babies in early childhood, we’re really delving into a thoughtful approach that values infants’ rapid developmental growth, emotional needs, and emerging personalities. Australian early childhood education has evolved to recognize that even the very youngest need intentional, responsive programming embedded in a secure, nurturing environment. Here are some key aspects to consider.

Documenting infant and toddler learning is a vital practice that captures the essence of their developmental journey. It involves observing, recording, and reflecting on their actions, interactions, and milestones to make their learning visible. The following article provides information on: Importance Of Documenting Infant and Toddler Learning and Development, Showcasing Infants and Toddlers Learning and Development, Documenting Infant and Toddler Milestones, Linking Infant and Toddler Learning To The EYLF and more. 

Achieving EYLF Outcome 5—Children Are Effective Communicators—in the Babies Room focuses on fostering foundational communication skills in the youngest learners. In an environment where babies largely communicate non-verbally, educators play a crucial role in creating opportunities for both expressive and receptive language development. Here’s how you can integrate practices that support this outcome in the Babies Room.

The following provides a list of outdoor activities for babies and toddlers that promote sensory exploration and interaction with the natural environment. It also includes linking to the EYLF and the benefits of outdoor play for babies and toddlers. 

EYLF Outcome 4: Children Are Confident and Involved Learners, focuses on fostering children's confidence and involvement as learners. The following article provides information on Strategies To Achieve Outcome 4 With Babies, Goals For Babies To Acheive EYLF Outcome 4, Example Activities That Link With Outcome 4 For Babies, and more.