Designing a nursery room for infants and toddlers (0–2 years) requires more than just arranging furniture; it’s about creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally rich environment that aligns with the NQS and the EYLF. At this age, children are forming their earliest attachments, exploring the world through their senses, and developing foundational skills for movement, communication, and social interaction.

Separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage that often begins around 6–12 months of age. For educators, understanding and responding to this stage with empathy and practical strategies can make a significant difference in supporting both children and families.

The start of a new year in the babies’ room is more than a calendar change; it’s a chance to reset, renew, and reimagine the environment where our youngest learners begin their journey. Creating a space that nurtures belonging, safety, and joyful exploration sets the tone for the months ahead.

The Child Safe Standards provide a framework to ensure that every child in early childhood education is protected, respected, and empowered. These standards are not just compliance requirements; they are everyday practices that safeguard children’s well-being while fostering environments where they can thrive.

For educators, translating these standards into age‑appropriate strategies is essential. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers each experience safety differently, and educators must adapt their approaches to meet developmental needs. This guide offers practical checklists and examples to help educators embed child safety into daily routines, interactions, and learning experiences.

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.