Welcome to Infant 1

At London Brook Academy, our infant room is a peaceful, loving environment where every moment is intentional, gentle, and rooted in connection. We believe the first experiences outside of home should feel safe, familiar, and nurturing — a place where babies are held, heard, and truly known.

Our teachers are more than caregivers; they are consistent, responsive attachment figures who build secure, trusting relationships with each child. We take time to learn each baby’s unique rhythms, cues, and needs, ensuring they always feel seen, soothed, and supported. This secure bond gives infants the foundation to confidently explore, express themselves, and discover the world around them.

Warm Care & Responsive Routines

Our day follows each baby’s natural pace. We honor individual feeding, sleeping, and activity needs, because every infant thrives on their own rhythm.

• Individualized feeding schedules (bottles, breast milk, and first foods)

• Diaper changes every two hours or as needed

• Rest based on each baby’s natural sleep cues and routines

• Gentle transitions supported by snuggles, songs, and familiar caregivers

Infants bottle-feed in caring arms, enjoy quiet comfort when needed, and rest peacefully in a calm, cozy sleep space designed for peace and safety.

Exploration Through the Senses

We believe babies learn best when they can safely explore with all of their senses. Our classroom offers a rich sensory environment that evolves as infants grow more curious and capable.

Examples of sensory experiences include:

• Soft texture baskets (silk scarves, velvet, natural fibers)

• Gentle sound play (shakers, crinkle toys, rain sticks, soft bells)

• Tummy-time and movement zones with mirrors, low bars, and soft mats

• Natural elements like wooden rattles, smooth stones, and sensory boards

• Water play moments (warm water drips, sponges, exploration cups)

• Light & visual exploration (soft lights, slow-moving bubbles, black-and-white images for young infants)

Every material is chosen to be safe, developmentally supportive, and open-ended, encouraging curiosity, comfort, and discovery.

Creativity from the Very Beginning

We celebrate tiny creativity. Even the youngest babies participate in simple, meaningful art experiences that stimulate senses and fine-motor exploration, such as:

• Taste-safe paint and footprint/handprint keepsakes

• Mess-free sensory painting in sealed bags

• Textured brushes and sponges for older infants

• Nature-based art (leaves, flowers, gentle texture stamping)

Art for infants is never about a product — it's about joyful experience, safe exploration, and early creative expression.

Learning Through Loving Interaction

Throughout the day, children experience:

• Story time with soft voices

• Gentle music and calm rhythmic movement

• Early language development through conversation, songs, and labeling

• One-on-one floor play, social bonding, and peer interaction

Every interaction builds trust, language, motor skills, emotional security, and a joyful foundation for future learning.

At London Brook, we don't just watch babies — we connect with them. We listen. We respond. We celebrate who they are today, while gently nurturing who they are growing to become. Here, our littlest learners are wrapped in warmth, safety, and belonging — the fertile ground where confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning take root.

Infant 1 Daily Flow

Our day is calm, flexible, and child-led — a gentle flow rather than a rigid timetable.

7:00 – 8:30 AM | Arrival & Warm Welcome

• Gentle greetings, cuddles, and connection time with primary caregivers

• Communication with parents about morning routines, feeding times, and sleep cues

• Soft music and low lighting to ease babies into the day

• Free exploration on floor mats or in cozy laps

8:30 – 9:30 AM | Morning Feeding & Care Routines

• Individualized bottle feeding or breakfast (for older infants) based on each child’s routine

• Diaper changes as needed or on two-hour schedule

• One-on-one connection moments: songs, talking, eye contact, and touch

9:30 – 10:15 AM | Sensory & Exploration Time

• Floor play: tummy time, mirror exploration, low bars, and soft climbing mats

• Sensory baskets (soft textures, gentle sound toys, scarves, wooden rattles)

• Teachers engage in parallel play and language-rich narration (“You found the soft scarf!”)

10:15 – 11:00 AM | Nap or Quiet Rest Time

• Infants rest based on their cues in individual cribs

• Soft music, dim lighting, white noise for soothing environment

• Awake babies enjoy calm one-on-one floor play or story time

11:00 – 12:00 PM | Midday Feeding & Care Routines

• Individual bottle or solid food feeding as appropriate

• Diaper changes, gentle stretches, outdoor fresh-air stroll (weather permitting)

• Sensory exploration continued for alert infants

12:00 – 2:00 PM | Flexible Nap / Rest / Quiet Play

• Babies nap as needed — teachers follow each child’s rhythm

• Soft music, lullabies, and individual soothing rituals (rocking, humming, patting)

• Quiet reading, light exploration, and bonding for awake babies

2:00 – 3:00 PM | Afternoon Feeding & Connection

• Bottles or first foods based on developmental stage

• Diaper changes, gentle conversation, naming objects, and language play

• Singing and baby sign language practice

3:00 – 4:00 PM | Creative Exploration & Movement

• Taste-safe sensory painting, water play, or textured art

• Movement activities: rolling, crawling, pulling to stand

• Teachers encourage safe risk-taking and joyful discovery

4:00 – 5:00 PM | Outdoor Time (Weather Permitting)

• Stroller walks, blanket play on grass, or shaded patio exploration

• Nature sensory experiences — wind, leaves, birds, textures

5:00 – 6:00 PM | Evening Care & Transitions Home

• Final feedings and diaper changes

• Cozy story time, lullabies, and cuddles

• Calm atmosphere for late nap or quiet time

• Teachers share daily notes and observations with families

Guiding Principles in Practice

• Responsive Care: Teachers adapt the day to each baby’s needs.

• Attachment & Trust: Consistent caregivers offer security and predictability.

• Sensory Learning: Daily experiences engage all five senses.

• Calm Environment: Soft lighting, soothing sounds, and mindful transitions

Daily Anchors

• Feeding: On-demand or per family routine (typically every 2–3 hours)

• Diapering: Every 2 hours or as needed

• Sleep: According to individual sleep cues

• Outdoor time: At least once daily, weather permitting