0mo–11mo12 minDevelopmental playTummy timeOutdoor
Big Safe Space Stretch & Roll
Set up a clear, safe floor space indoors or outdoors so your child can move freely—stretching, rolling, and exploring—with you close by, adjusting support to your baby’s comfort and stage.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a blanket or play mat
- a couple of cushions OR rolled towels to create soft boundaries
- one baby-safe toy (larger than mouth; no small parts)
Nice to have
- a shaded outdoor spot (weather-appropriate)
- a mirror placed safely on the floor (unbreakable/baby-safe)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneRolls over independentlyBody· 5mo–10mo· core
- MilestoneRolls tummy to backBody· 4mo–6mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneProne head and chest liftBody· 3mo–15mo· core
- MilestoneProne forearm supportBody· 2mo–6mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneReaches accurately and graspsBody· 3mo–6mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneBrief prone head liftBody· 0mo–4mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneSpontaneous limb movementBody· 0mo–4mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCrawls or scoots for floor mobilityBody· 7mo–12mo· stretch
- MilestoneSits without supportBody· 6mo–9mo· stretch
What it practices
- Makes movements with arms and legs which gradually become more controlled.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Rolls over from front to back, from back to front.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- When lying on tummy becomes able to lift first head and then chest, supporting self with forearms and then straight arms.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Turns head in response to sounds and sights.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Have well-planned areas that allow babies maximum space to move, roll, stretch and explore in safety indoors and outdoors.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)