Aussie Childcare Network Forum • Set up nursery baby room
Page 1 of 1

Set up nursery baby room

Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2024 3:09 pm
by jasuh
Hi need help
Please first time working in a nursery
The babies are learning to walk fall over bang heads every day .they don’t play with toys just throw things around . what do you have in your rooms and what activities do you entertain them with . We have puzzles they just end up on the floor , home corner is just the same they don’t play they just throw the toys around , open and close the little kitchen so fingers get jammed . Books get chewed.
How is you areas set up thanks

Re: Set up nursery baby room

Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2024 2:30 pm
by Lorina
Working with babies in a nursery can be quite an adventure! It's common for young children to explore their environment in ways that might seem chaotic. Here are some strategies and activities that can help create a more engaging and safe environment for the little ones:

### Room Setup

1. **Soft Play Areas**:
- Create cushioned areas with mats and soft toys to minimize injuries from falls. This can be a safe space for babies learning to walk.

2. **Low Shelving**:
- Use low shelves to store toys and books within easy reach of the children. This encourages independence and reduces frustration.

3. **Safe Exploration Zones**:
- Designate specific areas for different types of play (e.g., sensory play, quiet reading, active play). Use barriers or furniture to define these spaces clearly.

4. **Secure Furniture**:
- Ensure that all furniture is stable and secure to prevent tipping. Use corner protectors and safety locks where necessary.

### Activities

1. **Sensory Play**:
- **Sensory Bins**: Fill bins with safe materials like rice, pasta, or water beads. Add scoops, cups, and small toys for exploration³.
- **Texture Boards**: Create boards with different textures (e.g., fabric, sandpaper, bubble wrap) for babies to touch and feel.

2. **Gross Motor Activities**:
- **Obstacle Courses**: Set up simple obstacle courses with cushions, tunnels, and soft blocks to encourage crawling, climbing, and walking.
- **Push Toys**: Provide sturdy push toys that help babies practice walking while keeping them engaged.

3. **Interactive Play**:
- **Peekaboo**: Use puppets or soft toys to play peekaboo. This simple game is great for social interaction and cognitive development².
- **Music and Movement**: Play nursery rhymes and encourage dancing and movement. Use instruments like shakers and tambourines for added fun.

4. **Safe Toys**:
- **Soft Books**: Offer cloth or vinyl books that are safe for chewing and easy to clean.
- **Stacking Toys**: Provide stacking rings or soft blocks that can be safely thrown and stacked.

### Promoting Cooperative Play

1. **Modeling Behavior**:
- Demonstrate how to play with toys appropriately. Show children how to stack blocks, turn pages of a book, or use kitchen sets gently.

2. **Positive Reinforcement**:
- Praise and encourage positive interactions. Highlight moments when children play cooperatively or use toys correctly.

3. **Guided Play**:
- Engage with the children during playtime. Guide them in activities and gently redirect them if they start throwing toys or engaging in unsafe behavior.

:geek:,
Lorina