Infants and Toddlers Environment

Eight Factors TO Consider HealthHealth SafetySafety ComfortComfort ConvenienceConvenience Child SizeChild Size FlexibilityFlexibility MovementMovement ChoiceChoice

Health Keep the diaper changing area far apart from the feeding areaKeep the diaper changing area far apart from the feeding area Wash hands regularly—always before and after diapering each child and always before preparing foodWash hands regularly—always before and after diapering each child and always before preparing food Clean toys, floods, rugs, walls, and baseboards regularlyClean toys, floods, rugs, walls, and baseboards regularly

Safety Objects and fixtures with sharp edgesObjects and fixtures with sharp edges Fence in the outside play areaFence in the outside play area Cover electrical outletsCover electrical outlets Use low-pile carpets; they are easier to clean and will not hide small objects that babies so often put in their mouthsUse low-pile carpets; they are easier to clean and will not hide small objects that babies so often put in their mouths

Comfort A variety of natural light, lamps, and full-spectrum lighting rather than fluorescent lightsA variety of natural light, lamps, and full-spectrum lighting rather than fluorescent lights A steady flow of fresh airA steady flow of fresh air Display things that are pleasing to the eye and have a calming effect on caregivers and very young childrenDisplay things that are pleasing to the eye and have a calming effect on caregivers and very young children

Convenience Have accessible storage placesHave accessible storage places Place pay materials where children can reach easilyPlace pay materials where children can reach easily Set up the environment for ease of movement and visibility by placing nonmovable equipment in corners of the room and against the walls and keeping the middle of the space freeSet up the environment for ease of movement and visibility by placing nonmovable equipment in corners of the room and against the walls and keeping the middle of the space free

Child Size Use tables and chairs that are low and smallUse tables and chairs that are low and small Hang mirrors and place easels at the eye level of an infant on the floorHang mirrors and place easels at the eye level of an infant on the floor

Flexibility Have equipment that is easy to moveHave equipment that is easy to move

Movement Surfaces with a variety of texturesSurfaces with a variety of textures Multilevel environments such as loftsMultilevel environments such as lofts

Choice Free movement through the center of a roomFree movement through the center of a room Play with a variety of objects or materialsPlay with a variety of objects or materials