How to Set Up a Baby Room in a Daycare
Creating a safe place for infants to explore, eat and sleep is the primary focus of a baby room in a childcare center. It is essential to consider the various stages of child development, along with specific childcare regulations in your state, as you plan the layout of your baby room.
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Things You'll Need
- Baby equipment: swings, cribs, high chairs
- A comfortable adult-sized glider
- Low storage shelves
- Developmentally appropriate toys, balls, blocks
Instructions
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Make the room safe for children younger than 18 months. Get down on your hands and knees to see the world from an infant or toddler's vantage point. Use cabinet and drawer locks on diaper and food storage areas that are below 5 feet. Insert safety covers on electrical outlets. Install a raised infant loft to keep non-mobile babies up off the floor and safe from little crawlers and walkers. Purchase equipment especially for use in a group childcare setting that includes rounded, smooth edges and surfaces.
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Keep the spacing of furniture and placement of shelving as open as possible to allow for maximum maneuverability. Watch for areas that might become congested, such as areas around high chairs and the rocker/glider. Allow for separate areas for diapering, eating and sleeping. Set up an area near the door where each child has a place to store his or her belongings. Place the diaper changing table away from high-traffic areas
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Choose toys, furniture and shelving that is made of materials that are easily washed and/or sanitized. Be sure to have baskets or containers available in order to immediately remove and collect toys that have been gummed or chewed. This will keep the spread of germs to a minimum. Include a soap and paper towel dispenser to encourage staff to follow frequent hand-washing practices.
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Select toys that offer open-ended play. Offer many of the same type of toy, rather than lots of different toys in order to limit the amount of waiting or sharing required. Provide toys that stimulate a wide array of developmental areas, including cognitive, social, large muscle and fine motor skills. Limit the amount of toys out at any one time, and rotate them frequently.
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Don't be afraid to rearrange your layout to cater to the needs of the children in your care. This will also offer variety and renewed interest in the classroom space. Form should always follow function when it comes to setting up an infant room.
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Tips & Warnings
Place wall mirrors and artwork at eye level for an infant. Use warm, rich paint colors on the walls to create a less institutionalized environment.
