At Folkestone Street Infant & Child Care, we understand that supporting your pēpē’s physical and cognitive development requires more than simply providing care. One of the most valuable and impactful ways we support infants is by promoting freedom of movement. Allowing unrestricted movement for your baby encourages optimal developmental progress in countless ways, laying a solid foundation for their lifelong health and learning.
Research indicates that unrestricted movement significantly contributes to an infant’s motor skills development, muscle strength, and cognitive abilities (Pikler, 1979). Freedom of movement helps babies explore their capabilities and discover the world around them at their own pace, fostering independence and confidence from a very young age.
At Folkestone Street, we embrace this philosophy wholeheartedly. Our spacious indoor and outdoor environments have been thoughtfully designed to allow infants to move freely and safely. We avoid unnecessary restraints such as swings, walkers, or extended periods in infant seats, instead encouraging natural developmental movements like rolling, crawling, sitting, and eventually walking.
Inside our homely setting, our kaiako ensure there are comfortable and stimulating floor spaces available for pēpē to explore freely. We use soft mats, inviting sensory toys, and safe, age-appropriate play materials to encourage your baby to engage physically and cognitively. Outside, our secure and inviting spaces offer opportunities for exploring nature, fostering curiosity and interaction with their environment in a meaningful way.
Families can easily incorporate this philosophy at home as well. Practical suggestions include regularly setting aside supervised floor time, providing a safe, uncluttered space where your pēpē can move without restriction. Encouraging regular tummy time not only strengthens neck and core muscles but also supports vital cognitive developments such as spatial awareness and coordination.
Additionally, maintaining minimal use of restrictive devices at home significantly benefits your child’s growth. Allowing your baby to freely move about encourages natural developmental milestones and strengthens their overall sense of confidence and autonomy.
At Folkestone Street, we are dedicated to supporting your child’s journey through these formative early months. By promoting freedom of movement, we ensure that your pēpē grows in a nurturing, supportive environment that actively enhances their physical, emotional, and cognitive development, setting the stage for a happy, healthy future.
