Co-Regulation in Infancy

Tags:
Early Childhood Knowledge & Skills
Social-Emotional Development
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What It Looks Like

What Co-Regulation Looks Like in Infant Care

Co-regulation is not complicated. It’s the small, consistent actions teachers offer every day.

Examples:

  • Holding and rocking a crying baby

  • Making eye contact and using a warm tone

  • Offering a pacifier or soft blanket

  • Reducing noise and visual clutter

  • Keeping predictable routines

These strategies help soothe and organize a baby’s nervous system.

In group care, co-regulation often means:

  • Responding quickly to cues

  • Taking turns between caregivers

  • Building trust through consistency

Even simple moments—smiling during diaper changes or narrating transitions—support co-regulation.

 

The OT Toolbox — “What Is Co-Regulation?” (2023).
https://www.theottoolbox.com/co-regulation/

Tags:
Early Childhood Knowledge & Skills
Social-Emotional Development
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