Being with Babies : Establishing a Sense of Belonging in Early Childhood Settings

Relationships are a central feature of early childhood pedagogy, foregrounding practice with babies and young children. This book explores how babies foster a sense of belonging in spaces outside of the family home. It emphasises the important role the early childhood workforce and other professionals play in creating opportunities for babies to thrive and the positive influence this can have during infancy and beyond. Presenting international cross disciplinary perspectives, the book explores all aspects of working with babies, emphasising the contested and changing nature of the concept of infancy, ethical principles, and baby’s rights. Divided into four parts, the chapters cover: The awe and wonder of babies and quality care – ethical care, participation, voice and rights, attachment, and supporting learning and development The community of relationships – the importance and complexity of developing multiprofessional relationships between babies, their families, and professionals Pedagogical environmental spaces – distinct philosophical and pedagogical approaches that inform being with babies in responsive, play informed ways Routines and rituals – everyday practice and caregiving in different environments with babies, including home-based settings With case studies, practitioner reflections, and key takeaways in every chapter, this is essential reading for early years students and practitioners being with babies and their families within a variety of professional contexts.