Sustainability Self-Assessment Tool

for Babies (0–18 Months)

Here's how it works

Engage with the 7 sections of the questionnaire.

Answer each question using a simple 4-point scale: Never (1), Sometimes (2), Often (3), or Always (4).

At the end of each section, you will discover if your practice is currently at the Exploring, Engaging, Embedding, or Empowering stage. You will also receive three suggestions tailored to your responses, giving you practical next steps to move forward.

When you complete all 7 sections, you will receive a printable PDF report packed with inspiring ideas to support your sustainability journey. A visual progress chart will also be included, enabling you to track your development, reflect on your learning, and celebrate your achievements.

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Tell us about your setting

Where is your setting based?

Is your setting private or community-run?

What hours do you usually offer?

Save Progress

Whole Setting Approach to Sustainability

	Never	Sometimes	Often	Always
All staff in the baby room support sustainable care routines.	NeverAll staff in the baby room support sustainable care routines. Never	SometimesAll staff in the baby room support sustainable care routines. Sometimes	OftenAll staff in the baby room support sustainable care routines. Often	AlwaysAll staff in the baby room support sustainable care routines. Always
We use reusable nappies, cloths, and bibs when possible.	NeverWe use reusable nappies, cloths, and bibs when possible. Never	SometimesWe use reusable nappies, cloths, and bibs when possible. Sometimes	OftenWe use reusable nappies, cloths, and bibs when possible. Often	AlwaysWe use reusable nappies, cloths, and bibs when possible. Always
We involve families in our sustainability efforts with infants.	NeverWe involve families in our sustainability efforts with infants. Never	SometimesWe involve families in our sustainability efforts with infants. Sometimes	OftenWe involve families in our sustainability efforts with infants. Often	AlwaysWe involve families in our sustainability efforts with infants. Always
Visual reminders and sustainable messages are present in care spaces.	NeverVisual reminders and sustainable messages are present in care spaces. Never	SometimesVisual reminders and sustainable messages are present in care spaces. Sometimes	OftenVisual reminders and sustainable messages are present in care spaces. Often	AlwaysVisual reminders and sustainable messages are present in care spaces. Always
We keep sustainability in mind during planning and reflection for babies.	NeverWe keep sustainability in mind during planning and reflection for babies. Never	SometimesWe keep sustainability in mind during planning and reflection for babies. Sometimes	OftenWe keep sustainability in mind during planning and reflection for babies. Often	AlwaysWe keep sustainability in mind during planning and reflection for babies. Always
Babies are cared for using gentle, environmentally mindful products.	NeverBabies are cared for using gentle, environmentally mindful products. Never	SometimesBabies are cared for using gentle, environmentally mindful products. Sometimes	OftenBabies are cared for using gentle, environmentally mindful products. Often	AlwaysBabies are cared for using gentle, environmentally mindful products. Always
We discuss sustainable choices in staff meetings.	NeverWe discuss sustainable choices in staff meetings. Never	SometimesWe discuss sustainable choices in staff meetings. Sometimes	OftenWe discuss sustainable choices in staff meetings. Often	AlwaysWe discuss sustainable choices in staff meetings. Always
Our feeding practices reduce single-use plastics and packaging.	NeverOur feeding practices reduce single-use plastics and packaging. Never	SometimesOur feeding practices reduce single-use plastics and packaging. Sometimes	OftenOur feeding practices reduce single-use plastics and packaging. Often	AlwaysOur feeding practices reduce single-use plastics and packaging. Always
Parents are informed about eco-friendly care options.	NeverParents are informed about eco-friendly care options. Never	SometimesParents are informed about eco-friendly care options. Sometimes	OftenParents are informed about eco-friendly care options. Often	AlwaysParents are informed about eco-friendly care options. Always
We are part of sustainability initiatives even in the baby room.	NeverWe are part of sustainability initiatives even in the baby room. Never	SometimesWe are part of sustainability initiatives even in the baby room. Sometimes	OftenWe are part of sustainability initiatives even in the baby room. Often	AlwaysWe are part of sustainability initiatives even in the baby room. Always

	Never	Sometimes	Often	Always
We avoid excessive use of wipes and disposable items.	NeverWe avoid excessive use of wipes and disposable items. Never	SometimesWe avoid excessive use of wipes and disposable items. Sometimes	OftenWe avoid excessive use of wipes and disposable items. Often	AlwaysWe avoid excessive use of wipes and disposable items. Always
We use safe, non-toxic cleaning and care products.	NeverWe use safe, non-toxic cleaning and care products. Never	SometimesWe use safe, non-toxic cleaning and care products. Sometimes	OftenWe use safe, non-toxic cleaning and care products. Often	AlwaysWe use safe, non-toxic cleaning and care products. Always
Natural materials are used for infant play (cloth, wood).	NeverNatural materials are used for infant play (cloth, wood). Never	SometimesNatural materials are used for infant play (cloth, wood). Sometimes	OftenNatural materials are used for infant play (cloth, wood). Often	AlwaysNatural materials are used for infant play (cloth, wood). Always
We provide sensory experiences using nature (light, texture, sounds).	NeverWe provide sensory experiences using nature (light, texture, sounds). Never	SometimesWe provide sensory experiences using nature (light, texture, sounds). Sometimes	OftenWe provide sensory experiences using nature (light, texture, sounds). Often	AlwaysWe provide sensory experiences using nature (light, texture, sounds). Always
We reduce waste during feeding and changing routines.	NeverWe reduce waste during feeding and changing routines. Never	SometimesWe reduce waste during feeding and changing routines. Sometimes	OftenWe reduce waste during feeding and changing routines. Often	AlwaysWe reduce waste during feeding and changing routines. Always
We use washable materials (e.g., muslin cloths, nappies).	NeverWe use washable materials (e.g., muslin cloths, nappies). Never	SometimesWe use washable materials (e.g., muslin cloths, nappies). Sometimes	OftenWe use washable materials (e.g., muslin cloths, nappies). Often	AlwaysWe use washable materials (e.g., muslin cloths, nappies). Always
Infants are taken outside for fresh air and nature experiences.	NeverInfants are taken outside for fresh air and nature experiences. Never	SometimesInfants are taken outside for fresh air and nature experiences. Sometimes	OftenInfants are taken outside for fresh air and nature experiences. Often	AlwaysInfants are taken outside for fresh air and nature experiences. Always
Eco-friendly products are preferred in baby equipment purchases.	NeverEco-friendly products are preferred in baby equipment purchases. Never	SometimesEco-friendly products are preferred in baby equipment purchases. Sometimes	OftenEco-friendly products are preferred in baby equipment purchases. Often	AlwaysEco-friendly products are preferred in baby equipment purchases. Always
We maintain sustainable cleaning and sterilising routines.	NeverWe maintain sustainable cleaning and sterilising routines. Never	SometimesWe maintain sustainable cleaning and sterilising routines. Sometimes	OftenWe maintain sustainable cleaning and sterilising routines. Often	AlwaysWe maintain sustainable cleaning and sterilising routines. Always
Natural light and ventilation are prioritised in baby rooms.	NeverNatural light and ventilation are prioritised in baby rooms. Never	SometimesNatural light and ventilation are prioritised in baby rooms. Sometimes	OftenNatural light and ventilation are prioritised in baby rooms. Often	AlwaysNatural light and ventilation are prioritised in baby rooms. Always

	Never	Sometimes	Often	Always
Babies are held, soothed, and spoken to with love and respect.	NeverBabies are held, soothed, and spoken to with love and respect. Never	SometimesBabies are held, soothed, and spoken to with love and respect. Sometimes	OftenBabies are held, soothed, and spoken to with love and respect. Often	AlwaysBabies are held, soothed, and spoken to with love and respect. Always
We respond to babies’ cues with sensitivity and care.	NeverWe respond to babies’ cues with sensitivity and care. Never	SometimesWe respond to babies’ cues with sensitivity and care. Sometimes	OftenWe respond to babies’ cues with sensitivity and care. Often	AlwaysWe respond to babies’ cues with sensitivity and care. Always
We include all infants equally regardless of background.	NeverWe include all infants equally regardless of background. Never	SometimesWe include all infants equally regardless of background. Sometimes	OftenWe include all infants equally regardless of background. Often	AlwaysWe include all infants equally regardless of background. Always
Family cultures are respected and included in care routines.	NeverFamily cultures are respected and included in care routines. Never	SometimesFamily cultures are respected and included in care routines. Sometimes	OftenFamily cultures are respected and included in care routines. Often	AlwaysFamily cultures are respected and included in care routines. Always
We communicate with families about their values and preferences.	NeverWe communicate with families about their values and preferences. Never	SometimesWe communicate with families about their values and preferences. Sometimes	OftenWe communicate with families about their values and preferences. Often	AlwaysWe communicate with families about their values and preferences. Always
We promote secure attachments and consistent caregiving.	NeverWe promote secure attachments and consistent caregiving. Never	SometimesWe promote secure attachments and consistent caregiving. Sometimes	OftenWe promote secure attachments and consistent caregiving. Often	AlwaysWe promote secure attachments and consistent caregiving. Always
Diverse family structures are represented and affirmed.	NeverDiverse family structures are represented and affirmed. Never	SometimesDiverse family structures are represented and affirmed. Sometimes	OftenDiverse family structures are represented and affirmed. Often	AlwaysDiverse family structures are represented and affirmed. Always
Gentle conflict resolution is modelled in educator interactions.	NeverGentle conflict resolution is modelled in educator interactions. Never	SometimesGentle conflict resolution is modelled in educator interactions. Sometimes	OftenGentle conflict resolution is modelled in educator interactions. Often	AlwaysGentle conflict resolution is modelled in educator interactions. Always

	Never	Sometimes	Often	Always
We use donated or reused items when safe for infant care.	NeverWe use donated or reused items when safe for infant care. Never	SometimesWe use donated or reused items when safe for infant care. Sometimes	OftenWe use donated or reused items when safe for infant care. Often	AlwaysWe use donated or reused items when safe for infant care. Always
Durable, reusable feeding and care items are prioritised.	NeverDurable, reusable feeding and care items are prioritised. Never	SometimesDurable, reusable feeding and care items are prioritised. Sometimes	OftenDurable, reusable feeding and care items are prioritised. Often	AlwaysDurable, reusable feeding and care items are prioritised. Always
We avoid unnecessary purchases by planning well.	NeverWe avoid unnecessary purchases by planning well. Never	SometimesWe avoid unnecessary purchases by planning well. Sometimes	OftenWe avoid unnecessary purchases by planning well. Often	AlwaysWe avoid unnecessary purchases by planning well. Always
We maintain resources for long-term safe use.	NeverWe maintain resources for long-term safe use. Never	SometimesWe maintain resources for long-term safe use. Sometimes	OftenWe maintain resources for long-term safe use. Often	AlwaysWe maintain resources for long-term safe use. Always
We share items and equipment between rooms responsibly.	NeverWe share items and equipment between rooms responsibly. Never	SometimesWe share items and equipment between rooms responsibly. Sometimes	OftenWe share items and equipment between rooms responsibly. Often	AlwaysWe share items and equipment between rooms responsibly. Always
We reduce food and product waste with careful planning.	NeverWe reduce food and product waste with careful planning. Never	SometimesWe reduce food and product waste with careful planning. Sometimes	OftenWe reduce food and product waste with careful planning. Often	AlwaysWe reduce food and product waste with careful planning. Always

	Never	Sometimes	Often	Always
We use lullabies and music from various cultures.	NeverWe use lullabies and music from various cultures. Never	SometimesWe use lullabies and music from various cultures. Sometimes	OftenWe use lullabies and music from various cultures. Often	AlwaysWe use lullabies and music from various cultures. Always
Families are encouraged to share cultural care practices.	NeverFamilies are encouraged to share cultural care practices. Never	SometimesFamilies are encouraged to share cultural care practices. Sometimes	OftenFamilies are encouraged to share cultural care practices. Often	AlwaysFamilies are encouraged to share cultural care practices. Always
Home languages are acknowledged in soothing words or songs.	NeverHome languages are acknowledged in soothing words or songs. Never	SometimesHome languages are acknowledged in soothing words or songs. Sometimes	OftenHome languages are acknowledged in soothing words or songs. Often	AlwaysHome languages are acknowledged in soothing words or songs. Always
We provide diverse baby books, images, and toys.	NeverWe provide diverse baby books, images, and toys. Never	SometimesWe provide diverse baby books, images, and toys. Sometimes	OftenWe provide diverse baby books, images, and toys. Often	AlwaysWe provide diverse baby books, images, and toys. Always

	Never	Sometimes	Often	Always
Educators understand sustainability as part of infant care.	NeverEducators understand sustainability as part of infant care. Never	SometimesEducators understand sustainability as part of infant care. Sometimes	OftenEducators understand sustainability as part of infant care. Often	AlwaysEducators understand sustainability as part of infant care. Always
Team meetings include sustainable care discussions.	NeverTeam meetings include sustainable care discussions. Never	SometimesTeam meetings include sustainable care discussions. Sometimes	OftenTeam meetings include sustainable care discussions. Often	AlwaysTeam meetings include sustainable care discussions. Always
Professional learning includes infant specific care.	NeverProfessional learning includes infant specific care. Never	SometimesProfessional learning includes infant specific care. Sometimes	OftenProfessional learning includes infant specific care. Often	AlwaysProfessional learning includes infant specific care. Always
We model eco-responsible actions in all routines.	NeverWe model eco-responsible actions in all routines. Never	SometimesWe model eco-responsible actions in all routines. Sometimes	OftenWe model eco-responsible actions in all routines. Often	AlwaysWe model eco-responsible actions in all routines. Always

	Never	Sometimes	Often	Always
Babies are gently introduced to natural environments.	NeverBabies are gently introduced to natural environments. Never	SometimesBabies are gently introduced to natural environments. Sometimes	OftenBabies are gently introduced to natural environments. Often	AlwaysBabies are gently introduced to natural environments. Always
We respond to babies’ interest in sensory/nature play.	NeverWe respond to babies’ interest in sensory/nature play. Never	SometimesWe respond to babies’ interest in sensory/nature play. Sometimes	OftenWe respond to babies’ interest in sensory/nature play. Often	AlwaysWe respond to babies’ interest in sensory/nature play. Always
We model gentle touch and care with toys and people.	NeverWe model gentle touch and care with toys and people. Never	SometimesWe model gentle touch and care with toys and people. Sometimes	OftenWe model gentle touch and care with toys and people. Often	AlwaysWe model gentle touch and care with toys and people. Always
We foster trust and calm, respectful care practices.	NeverWe foster trust and calm, respectful care practices. Never	SometimesWe foster trust and calm, respectful care practices. Sometimes	OftenWe foster trust and calm, respectful care practices. Often	AlwaysWe foster trust and calm, respectful care practices. Always
We support babies to notice and respond to natural stimuli.	NeverWe support babies to notice and respond to natural stimuli. Never	SometimesWe support babies to notice and respond to natural stimuli. Sometimes	OftenWe support babies to notice and respond to natural stimuli. Often	AlwaysWe support babies to notice and respond to natural stimuli. Always
We encourage awareness through repetition and routine.	NeverWe encourage awareness through repetition and routine. Never	SometimesWe encourage awareness through repetition and routine. Sometimes	OftenWe encourage awareness through repetition and routine. Often	AlwaysWe encourage awareness through repetition and routine. Always

Search

Sustainability Self-Assessment Tool

for Babies (0–18 Months)

Here's how it works

Tell us about your setting

Whole Setting Approach to Sustainability

Exploring0

You are at the exciting starting point of your sustainability journey! There’s plenty of room to introduce new ideas and small changes that will make a big difference over time. Every step you take will help build a greener, more mindful baby room.

You could try…

Engaging0

You have made a great start with sustainability, and the foundations are in place. By making small adjustments and increasing consistency, you’ll see your eco-practices become second nature for everyone.

You could try…

Embedding0

Sustainability is already a visible and valued part of your care routines. You are making a real impact, and now you can focus on deepening family engagement and exploring new ideas to go even further.

You could try…

Empowering0

You are a shining example of sustainable baby care! Your work is inspiring, consistent, and making a meaningful difference for families, babies, and the planet. Now is the time to share your leadership and innovate even further.

You could try…

Pillar 1: Environmental Sustainability

Exploring0

You are at the early stages of bringing more sustainability into baby care. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce simple, manageable changes that will soon become part of everyday routines. Every small step counts towards a healthier, greener space for babies.

You could try…

Engaging0

You have made a strong start with sustainable care, and several good practices are in place. With a few more consistent changes, you can make your routines even more eco-friendly and baby-friendly.

You could try…

Embedding0

Sustainability is clearly part of your daily baby care, and your choices show a strong commitment to eco-conscious practices. Now you can focus on refining and expanding your approaches to inspire others and bring families along on the journey.

You could try…

Empowering0

Sustainability is clearly part of your daily baby care, and your choices show a strong commitment to eco-conscious practices. Now you can focus on refining and expanding your approaches to inspire others and bring families along on the journey.

You could try…

Pillar 2: Social Sustainability

Exploring0

You are starting to build trusting relationships with babies and families. You show warmth and respect, but responses to cues and inclusion of family cultures are still developing. This is the foundation stage, where reflection and intentional actions can quickly build stronger connections.

You could try…

Engaging0

You could try…

Embedding0

You could try…

Empowering0

You could try…

Pillar 3: Economic Sustainability

Exploring0

You’re at the exciting starting point of your sustainability journey. Some durable or reused items are in use, and you’re exploring ways to reduce waste and share resources. Every small step now will make a big difference over time.

You could try…

Engaging0

You’re laying solid foundations for sustainability. Durable and reusable items are part of your practice, and there is a growing focus on reducing waste. With a little more planning and resource care, your sustainability impact can grow quickly.

You could try…

Embedding0

You’re doing great work embedding sustainable choices. Durable and reusable items are prioritised, resources are shared responsibly, and waste is often reduced through careful planning. With a few extra tweaks, you could take your practice from strong to outstanding.

You could try…

Empowering0

You could try…

Cultural Sustainability

Exploring0

You could try…

Engaging0

Cultural diversity is beginning to shine through in your practice. Some music, languages, and resources from different backgrounds are present, and families are occasionally invited to share. With more consistency and variety, cultural richness can become a natural, everyday feature.

You could try…

Embedding0

You have a warm and inclusive approach to culture. Music, stories, and languages from different backgrounds are regularly included, and families are encouraged to share traditions. A variety of diverse resources are available, with room to expand and deepen the cultural richness.

You could try…

Empowering0

You could try…

Educator Voice

Exploring0

Engaging0

Awareness of sustainability is growing within the team. It is discussed in some meetings, and eco-responsible actions are present in certain routines. With more discussion and professional learning, sustainability can become a consistent feature of your practice.

You could try…

Embedding0

Your team shows a strong commitment to sustainability. It’s included in most meetings and training, and eco-friendly actions are often modelled. With a little more consistency and integration, sustainability could become even more embedded in your daily culture.

You could try…

Empowering0

Sustainability is a natural, shared value in your team. Everyone understands its role in infant care, and it’s a regular part of team meetings and professional learning. Eco-responsible actions are modelled consistently, creating a culture where sustainability is second nature.

You could try…

Child Voice

Exploring0

You are at the exciting starting point of introducing babies to the natural world. Some sensory and gentle care experiences are present, and early trust-building is taking place. Each small step towards nature and calm, respectful care will create a strong foundation for future connections.

You could try…

Engaging0