Discussion 2.2 Infant/Toddler Requirements

[Aileen]

Infants need materials that allow them to touch and mouth objects. Safe things that you have around the house can be played with by infants. They should have the opportunity to compare and contrast different textures or go on walks where they can touch everything to get an idea of what a crunchy leaf feels like versus the damp moss on a rock. Vocalizing activities is also important for infants so they can learn what objects are (like a bottle), when they're used for ("oh, you're hungry - let's get your bottle full of milk"), etc.

Toddlers are testing their world and how it works, so having simple toys that can be filled and dumped is really good for them. Since they are wondering about how things work, it's good to have books (large cloth or board books) with shapes, numbers, and different scenery to show them about the world and everything in it. If taking them on a walk, pick up objects like leaves and pine cones and sticks and show the toddler where the object came from.

[shannon]

Infants need a warm and comfortable environment. They need more support at first to be comfortable and explore some toys. They need baby proof toys that can be safely explored in the mouth of the infant. Toddlers need more room to move but also it needs to be safe. You should get down on their level and see what they see and might want to get into. They love to dump things out and put things back in. They will see if they can stand on things so having safe toys is important.

[Sarahcool28]

Toddlers should have many different things to choose from as they get bored easily and quickly want to move on to something new. They need books and block to stack, easy puzzles and toys that fit into each other by size. Toy's that make noise, stations to color or draw, they enjoy kitchen play with pretend foods and toy cars, dolls, and animals.

[Kale]

Toddlers and infants should have spaces that allow them to participate in more child-initiated activities and play. They should also need items that will help them with their needs - including major motor functions, fine motor function and with balance and mental stimulation.