16mo–2.2y12 minSelf-careFamily timeFree play
Dolly Dress & Drink Helper
A playful helper routine where your child dresses a doll (big buttons/fastenings), pours a drink, and manipulates objects in pretend play—built around safe whole-body movement (fetching, squatting, carrying, and a simple kick game).
What you'll need
Essentials
- a doll/teddy and a coat/cardigan with big buttons or easy fasteners (zip/Velcro)
- a small unbreakable cup and a small jug/bottle with a little water (supervised)
- a tray or towel to catch spills
Nice to have
- a doll buggy/push toy or a box to ‘deliver’ items
- a large soft ball (for a simple kick moment)
- 2–3 small household items to ‘deliver’ (sock, spoon, soft toy)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneWalks steadily on ordinary groundBody· 16mo–19mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneSimple pretend playMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneStoops or squats and stands againBody· 15mo–18mo· stretch
- MilestoneReenacts familiar experiencesMind· 2.2y–3.8y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneWalks independentlyBody· 15mo–20mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneEnjoys filling and emptying containers.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneRunsBody· 14mo–2.2y· stretch
- MilestoneKicks a ball forwardBody· 2.2y–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneKicks while standing independentlyBody· 15mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage children in their efforts to do up buttons, pour a drink, and manipulate objects in their play, e.g. ‘Can you put the dolly’s arm in the coat?’”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)