0mo–11mo8 minQuiet timeTummy timeFamily time
Favourite Things Look-and-Point
A safe ‘favourite things’ viewing setup where you places 2–3 familiar items in baby’s view, then narrates, points, and plays simple show-and-hide, supporting attention, recognition, and early noticing of ‘one’ and ‘two’.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2–3 safe favourite items (e.g., soft toy, rattle, textured cloth)
- a safe place for baby to lie/sit with close supervision (mat/blanket/lap)
Nice to have
- a family photo (printed) or a simple picture on paper (placed safely out of reach)
- a small hand mirror (used safely and supervised)
- a small cloth/towel for gentle hiding/revealing
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
- MilestoneNotices changes in number of objects/images or sounds in group of up to 3.Mind· 0mo–11mo· stretch
- MilestoneSustains visual attention brieflyMind· 1mo–4mo· core
- MilestoneReacts to disappearanceMind· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneSearches for disappeared objectMind· 6mo–12mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneSmiles with pleasure at recognisable playthings.Mind· 0mo–11mo· stretch
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Notices changes in number of objects/images or sounds in group of up to 3.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Develops an awareness of number names through their enjoyment of action rhymes and songs that relate to their experience of numbers.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Has some understanding that things exist, even when out of sight.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Display favourite things so that a young baby can see them.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)