Nursery rhymes and songs are one of our most transportable forms of play because they can be used anywhere and at any time. From birth, rhymes and songs are an excellent vehicle for establishing close bonds with caregivers.
* Familiar, unhurried, regular routines that children can anticipate, such as welcoming and farewells, provide reassurance. Greet and welcome babies when they waken or when you first see them. Let them know that you notice them, when they have woken from sleep and when they are about to go home.
* When they come into your care, hold them securely and sing to them. Try this song, sung to the tune of 'Happy Birthday':
Good morning to you, Good morning to you.
Good morning dear ..., Good morning to you!
* Sing lullabies like 'Rock-a-bye baby', 'Bye baby bunting', or 'Hush little baby' while rocking and cuddling a baby. Often babies can be calmed by a gentle voice.
* Crying is a baby's way of communicating, so pick up a crying baby promptly. Try to find out what is wrong with them. Are they hungry? Wet? Bored? Too hot? By comforting them, you send the message that language has a purpose and that someone wants to understand them.
* Dance with a baby to soothe them when they're upset. Put the baby's head on your shoulder and hum softly or listen to recorded music as you glide around the room. Alternatively, try a bouncy tune to amuse them when they're cheerful.
Rhyme time
Use a range of rhymes and action songs that encourage body contact. Try some of the following:
* Finger and hand rhymes, such as 'Pat-a-cake, Pat-a-cake' (clapping the baby's hands) or 'Round and round the garden' (circle the baby's hands).
* Toe and foot rhymes (wiggling the baby's toes), for example, 'Cobbler, cobbler', 'Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Mo' or 'This little piggy went to market'.
* Touching and tickling rhymes, for example, 'Round and round the garden', 'Ring a ring of roses', 'Incy wincy spider'.
* Lifting and knee bouncing rhymes, such as 'Row, row, row your boat', 'Humpty Dumpty' or 'Pop goes the weasel'.
Changing capers
At changing times, encourage friendly physical contact:
* Touch, caress, stroke and tickle a baby while changing.
* Talk quietly to the baby, repeat the baby's name or the part of the body you are touching.
* Let the baby touch you on your face, hair, and hands. The different shapes and textures will interest them.
* After changing time, kneel by the baby and gently rub their tummy before making mouth noises on their tummy with your lips - for example, puffing, blowing, making raspberries and so on.
* Loving touches nourish a baby's emotional development and improve sensory awareness. Gently kiss and stroke a baby whenever you dress or change them.
When a baby is feeding, caress their cheeks, shoulders, and arms. Gently rub their hands and fingers.
* Play games while dressing - for example, put the baby's top on your head or sock on your fingers to make them giggle. While dressing toddlers, describe what you are doing and name each piece of clothing. Try to follow the same order to establish familiar routines.
Familiar faces
Allow the children to have family photographs and familiar toys or books from home in your setting and provide children with a space for their belongings.
* Looking at pictures of family members helps toddlers keep a mental image of people familiar to them and gives them a sense of security.
* Talk to toddlers about who they can see in the pictures, their names and the sorts of things that they do with that person.
