What should caregivers prioritize when setting up a play environment for infants and toddlers?

Caregivers should prioritize providing a variety of textures and materials when setting up a play environment for infants and toddlers because this approach significantly enhances sensory exploration and cognitive development. Infants and toddlers learn about the world primarily through their senses. By incorporating different textures—such as soft, rough, smooth, and bumpy—caregivers can stimulate curiosity and encourage hands-on play, which is essential for motor skills and sensory processing.

Exposing young children to a range of materials also promotes creativity and problem-solving as they manipulate and interact with objects in diverse ways. For instance, soft fabric can invite cuddling or pretending, while harder materials might encourage stacking or building, all of which are vital for developmental progress during these formative years. This rich sensory environment aligns with early childhood learning principles, helping to cultivate an inquisitive mindset and support overall growth.