8mo–20mo9 minMealtimeFamily time
Close-By Snack Exploration
A gentle, supervised snack-play where your child explores finger foods and a cup/spoon while you stay close by as a secure base, offering check-ins, comfort, and calm encouragement.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a safe seated feeding spot (high chair or supported seat)
- soft, age-appropriate finger foods (e.g., banana pieces or soft cooked veg)
- a baby cup, bottle, or handled beaker
Nice to have
- a baby spoon and a small amount of thick puree (if already part of your routine)
- a wipeable cloth or bib
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneExplores with caregiver as secure baseHeart· 10mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneFeeds self with fingersBody· 11mo–16mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneHolds and drinks from a cupBody· 15mo–18mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneFeeds self with spoonBody· 12mo–2.1y· stretch
- MilestoneUses familiar adult support in new situationsHeart· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneUses objects functionallyMind· 10mo–15mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneCalms with adult helpHeart· 20mo–3.2y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Make sure the child can explore from the secure, close-by presence of their key person.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)