Talk:Early childhood education

Bonding and Attachment

Infant caregivers are in the profession because they love babies, but this is only half of the equation for high-quality infant care. The other half is the invisible bond that forms during feeding, playing, comforting, and reacting to baby’s signals with timed and thoughtful responses. At the end of the hour, day, or week, however long it takes for each unique child, the caregiver who responds to babies with the steadiness of a heartbeat can be assured that her relationship with baby is second only to the bond she shares with her parents.

Understanding Baby’s Needs

Although there has been much debate about whether to respond to baby’s every cry, many psychologists agree that responding with immediacy to a crying baby fosters early independence. When an adult reacts quickly, baby learns that her needs will be met and that she has a safety net when exploring new things. As caregivers begin to bond with the infants in their care, they will soon learn the various types of baby’s cues and how to respond. Not every cry means, “I’m hungry.” There’s a difference between a cry signaling a change of diaper and a cry that says, “I’m bored. I need more stimulation,” or “Come closer, I’d like to be held.”

Meeting Baby’s Needs

Not only do different cries have different meanings, but each baby is an individual who responds to your signals of care differently. What works for one baby, may not work for another of a different temperament. The creative caregiver has a variety of methods to calm a baby, which may include holding baby close, cradling baby in your arms, swaddling her in a blanket, holding her face-to-face, talking in low quiet tones, or singing a lullaby. Baby will let you know which one of these methods works best, and soon you’ll know exactly how to soothe him.

Making the Transition

As parents leave you with their treasured baby, they may need your support and encouragement to ease themselves and baby into the transition from home to child care. Here are a few suggestions for making the transition as smooth as possible.

· Encourage parents to bring baby to your program for short periods of time a few days before full-time care begins.

· Ask parents to bring a blanket, toy, photograph, or some other familiar item from home for baby.

· Hold, cuddle, and let baby know you’re nearby. As your face becomes familiar to baby,so does your smell and the sound of your voice.

· Build a language rapport with baby by making a sound and waiting for baby to make a sound, then make another sound and wait and on and on until one of you tires, preferably baby.

· Sing a song or tell a story while diapering, eating, or transitioning baby from one activity to another.

The Miracle of Touch

One doesn’t have to be a certified therapist to know that loving, kind, caring, soft touch feels good. Through your touch, baby will receive the message that there is nothing to fear. Here are some games and activities you can try.

· Stroke baby with soft objects such as a furry teddy bear, a feather, or a soft piece of cloth.

· Play rhyming games such as, “To Market, To Market” or “This Little Piggy” on baby’s toes.

· Rock baby to sleep and hold him during feedings.

· Play a game of peek-a-boo to remind baby that even though you go away, you always come right back.

· Give baby lots of kisses and tickle him until he squeals with glee.