Being with Babies

Relationships in Early Childhood Pedagogy

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.

International Perspectives and Key Concepts

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.

Part 1: The Awe and Wonder of Babies and Quality Care

ethical care, participation, voice and rights, attachment, and supporting learning and development

Part 2: The Community of Relationships

the importance and complexity of developing multiprofessional relationships between babies, their families, and professionals

Part 3: Pedagogical Environmental Spaces

distinct philosophical and pedagogical approaches that inform being with babies in responsive, play informed ways

Part 4: 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.