16mo–2.2y8 minQuiet timeNapFamily time
Comfort Sounds to Settle
Record a few familiar, comforting sounds (including home-language lullabies) and use them in a short, predictable calming routine that also prompts simple choices and early talk.
What you'll need
Essentials
- phone or simple audio recorder
- a familiar comfort item (blanket or soft toy)
Nice to have
- a small pillow or cushion for a cosy corner
- a photo of a familiar person (printed or on your phone)
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
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch
- MilestoneBeginning to talk about people and things that are not present.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· stretch· Steps 3, 4
- MilestoneUses single meaningful wordsMind· 8mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneCopies sounds or wordsMind· 10mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneBeginning to ask simple questions.Mind· 2.1y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneCombines two wordsMind· 14mo–3y· stretch
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide tapes and tape recorders so that parents can record familiar, comforting sounds, such as lullabies in home languages. Use these to help babies settle if they are tired or distressed.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)