0mo–11mo7 minFamily timeQuiet timeSocial play
Delight Mirror Moments
A warm, simple interaction where you shows genuine pleasure in being with your child through smile, voice, and responsive pauses—building felt safety, connection, and early co-regulation.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a comfortable position where your child can see your face (in arms, on a mat, or supported safely)
Nice to have
- a soft blanket/muslin
- a calm background (lower noise/light if possible)
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
- MilestoneEnjoys the company of others and seeks contact with others from birth.Heart· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneReciprocal social smileHeart· 1mo–4mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneVocalizes back during interactionHeart· 2mo–8mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneLooks at a speaking caregiverMind· 1mo–6mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneLaughs during social playHeart· 3mo–6mo· core
- MilestoneBids to keep adult attentionHeart· 3mo–5mo· stretch
What it practices
- Responds to and thrives on warm, sensitive physical contactObservable behaviour from Development Matters
- Laughs and gurgles, e.g. shows pleasure at being tickled and other physical interactions.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Expresses discomfort, hunger or thirst.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Show your pleasure in being with the baby.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)