Infancy (0–2)

Working with babies and toddlers in film and TV is both challenging and joyful. Chapter 7 highlights the unpredictability of working with infants, emphasising the need for patience and flexibility, as well as strict compliance with legal regulations – such as filming windows and safety protocols. Key considerations include casting for temperament, engaging calm guardians, and using multiple babies or twins to extend filming time. Alternatives, such as CGI, animatronic infants, and silicone dolls, are considered. The chapter further offers practical tips for creating a baby-friendly setup, eliciting natural reactions, guiding eyelines, and maintaining a child-led approach to capture poignant and heartwarming moments.