All Modules B6-Development Matters in the early years | Page 26

4 Physical Development: Health and self-care
A Unique Child:

Positive Relationships:

Enabling Environments:

observing what a child is learning

what adults could do

what adults could provide

• Encourage babies gradually to share control of food and
• Plan to take account of the individual cultural and
feeding needs of young babies in your group.
drink.
• Talk to parents about the feeding patterns of young
• There may be considerable variation in the way parents
babies.
feed their children at home. Remember that some
parents may need interpreter support.
• Talk to young babies as you stroke their cheeks, or pat
• Trained staff can introduce baby massage sessions that
their backs, reminding them that you are there and they
make young babies feel nurtured and promote a sense
are safe.
of well-being. Involving parents helps them to use this
• Notice individual baby cues when spending special oneapproach at home.
to-one time with them to ensure they are ready to engage.
• Discuss the cultural needs and expectations for skin
and hair care with parents prior to entry to the setting,
ensuring that the needs of all children are met
appropriately and that parents’ wishes are respected.
• Be aware of specific health difficulties among the babies in
the group.

85.
86.
87.
88.

• Talk to parents about how their baby communicates
needs. Ensure that parents and carers who speak
languages other than English are able to share their views.
• Help children to enjoy their food and appreciate healthier
choices by combining favorites with new tastes and
textures.
• Be aware that babies have little sense of danger when
their interests are focused on getting something they
want.
• Interact in hygiene habits making it explicit for child
to learn the language and the routines

• Provide a comfortable, accessible place where babies
can rest or sleep when they want to.
• Plan alternative activities for babies who do not need
sleep at the same time as others do.
• Ensure mealtime seating allows young children to have
feet firmly on the floor or foot rest. This aids stability
and upper trunk control supporting hand-to-mouth coordination.
• Provide safe surroundings in which young children have
freedom to move as they want, while being kept safe
by watchful adults.

91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.

Birth - 11
months

79. Responds to and thrives on warm, sensitive physical
contact and care.
80. Expresses