0mo–11mo7 minTummy timeMealtimeQuiet time
Close & Chat: Baby Conversation Moments
A brief, gentle interaction routine using closeness, eye contact, touch, and voice to support early ‘conversations’ with your child through turn-taking, mirroring, and responsive pauses.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a comfortable spot (your lap, a blanket on the floor, or a safe seat)
- your hands (for gentle touch and support)
Nice to have
- a soft cloth (for gentle stroking or peekaboo)
- a small mirror (only if safe and supervised)
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
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneLooks at a speaking caregiverMind· 1mo–6mo· core
- MilestoneBids to keep adult attentionHeart· 3mo–5mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· core
- MilestoneResponds to own nameMind· 6mo–10mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneTurns toward and locates a soundMind· 1mo–11mo· stretch
What it practices
- Quietens or alerts to the sound of speech.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens to, distinguishes and responds to intonations and sounds of voices.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Reacts in interaction with others by smiling, looking and moving.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Being physically close, making eye contact, using touch or voice all provide ideal opportunities for early conversations between adults and babies, and between one baby and another.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)