ABSTRACT
Working with babies is an opportunity to think and understand about development and effective practice with the youngest members of our community. By exploring and reflecting on various perspectives and approaches to care and learning this chapter makes connections to the way physical growth and significant, loving relationships are central to development during a baby’s first year. Tuned in and emotionally available practitioners can support babies’ growing sense of self in a safe and nurturing environment. Examples of play experiences and activities illustrate how babies learn and express themselves, from treasure basket play to finger rhymes, as well as fruitful opportunities within their everyday care routines. The impact of creating and enriching those earliest relationships is central to this chapter as well as evoking further investigation and research into working with babies.
