0mo–11mo11 minMealtimeFamily timeQuiet time
Feeding Routines + Language Support Note
Turns a family’s feeding routine into a clear, respectful, shareable summary and highlights the importance of communication support (including interpreter support when needed), while practising calm, responsive feeding connection with the baby.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper or notes app
- your usual feeding items (bottle/breastfeeding pillow/cup/spoon as appropriate)
Nice to have
- a simple picture cue (a bottle picture, cup picture, or a drawn icon)
- translation support tools you already use (bilingual notes, trusted interpreter service, or translated key phrases)
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
- MilestoneSignals feeding readiness refusalBody· 4mo–6mo· core· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneAnticipates feeding cueMind· 1mo–6mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneGets to know and enjoy daily routines, such as getting-up time, mealtimes, nappy time, and bedtime.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneOpens mouth for spoon.Body· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneBids to keep adult attentionHeart· 3mo–5mo· stretch
- MilestoneTakes smooth purees from a spoonBody· 4mo–8mo· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Anticipates food routines with interest.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Expresses discomfort, hunger or thirst.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds to and thrives on warm, sensitive physical contactObservable behaviour from Development Matters
- Opens mouth for spoon.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “There may be considerable variation in the way parents feed their children at home. Remember that some parents may need interpreter support.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)