0mo–11mo8 minQuiet timeSelf-careMealtime
Buddy Handover: Same Comfort, Same Cues
A short buddy-practice so two adults can step in smoothly for your child using shared cues, shared comfort routines, and predictable words.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small card/paper and pen
- your child’s familiar comfort item (if used)
Nice to have
- a light blanket/cloth
- a photo note of family preferences (if available and appropriate)
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneSeeks caregiver comfortHeart· 0mo–12mo· core
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneRecognizes familiar caregiverHeart· 0mo–10mo· stretch
- MilestoneTurns toward and locates a soundMind· 1mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Recognises and is most responsive to main carer’s voice: face brightens, activity increases when familiar carer appears.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds when talked to, for example, moves arms and legs, changes facial expression, moves body and makes mouth movements.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Enjoys the company of others and seeks contact with others from birth.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Ensure the key person is paired with a ‘buddy’ who knows the baby and family as well, and can step in when necessary.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)