Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
()
or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Infants depend on their families for food, warmth, and care, and for meeting such basic needs as eating, diapering, sleeping, bonding, and safety. But all babies are unique. Some infants may settle easily and be capable of quickly soothing themselves.
Mobile infants have more control of their head, torso, arms, and legs. They also begin to coordinate those movements. At this age, they sleep less and are more active during the day, eager to engage in everything around them.
The toddler years are a time when children are building skills in all areas. They remember what they learn and share it with others. They understand things more deeply, make choices, and engage with others in new ways.
Watch this short video to explore basic principles of child development. This information can help staff as they support and individualize care for infants and very young children.
Is breastfeeding on a busy schedule worth it? Just ask the women like you who have made it work. They will tell you not only of the health benefits (fewer upset tummies, allergies, illnesses) but also how close they have felt to their babies, even though they could not always be there.
Use these posters to support families with infants. Share tips for how parents can support infants' social and emotional development.
Use these posters to support families with toddlers. Share these tips for how parents can to help them support toddlers' social and emotional development.
Learn about the importance of language and literacy development for infants in this BabyTalks video. Listen as the presenter shares information about topics such as key stages in language development and how social interactions support language growth.
Explore this list that identifies the lead agency for Part C services in each state and territory. Disabilities coordinators, Technical Assistance Providers, parents of children with disabilities, and Early Head Start partners will be able to determine which agency to contact regarding infant and toddlers with disabilities.
Play is an important part of learning across the early childhood years. In this webinar, learn how play builds critical cognitive and behavioral skills across the birth to age 5 years. Find out what play looks like for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
HeadStart.gov
official website of the Administration for Children and Families
