0mo–11mo12 minMealtimeBath timeQuiet time
Cue Detective
A guided check-in where the adult observes the baby's sounds, face, and body cues, makes a best-guess response, and then checks if the baby’s reaction confirms the message.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a calm moment with your child
- one familiar comfort item (blanket/soft toy)
Nice to have
- a phone notes app to jot quick cue patterns
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 5-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneLearns that own voice and actions have effects on others.Heart· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUnderstands familiar contextual cuesMind· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneRaises arms to be picked upHeart· 6mo–9mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneCalms with caregiver soothingHeart· 0mo–3mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneVocalizes back during interactionHeart· 2mo–8mo· core
- MilestoneRepeats actions that have an effect, e.g. kicking or hitting a mobile or shaking a rattle.Mind· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneTakes turns making soundsHeart· 4mo–8mo· stretch
What it practices
- Communicates needs and feelings in a variety of ways including crying, gurgling, babbling and squealing.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Makes own sounds in response when talked to by familiar adults.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Lifts arms in anticipation of being picked up.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Practises and gradually develops speech sounds (babbling) to communicate with adults; says sounds like ‘baba, nono, gogo’.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Try to ‘tune in’ to the different messages young babies are attempting to convey.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)