0mo–11mo7 minFamily timeQuiet time
Fingers, Toes, and Happy Moves
A gentle, responsive interaction where you encourages your child's movements (fingers, toes, kicks, waves) with warm touch, delight, and simple peek-and-return moments to build curiosity and attention.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a soft blanket or mat
- your hands (gentle touch)
Nice to have
- a small soft cloth (for a brief ‘cover and reveal’ game)
- a small rattle (optional sound cue)
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
- MilestoneLearns that own voice and actions have effects on others.Heart· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 3
- MilestonePlays simple back-and-forth gamesHeart· 6mo–14mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneSpontaneous limb movementBody· 0mo–4mo· core
- MilestoneUses familiar adult to share feelings such as excitement or pleasure, and for ‘emotional refuelling’ when feeling tired, stressed or frustrated.Heart· 0mo–11mo· core
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneSustains visual attention brieflyMind· 1mo–4mo· stretch
- MilestoneReacts to disappearanceMind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneResponds to peek-a-booHeart· 8mo–10mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneLooks at and follows facesHeart· 0mo–12mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneMakes early non-cry soundsMind· 0mo–3mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneMakes vowel-like cooing soundsMind· 2mo–4mo· core· Step 2
What it practices
- Moves eyes, then head, to follow moving objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Looks around a room with interest; visually scans environment for novel, interesting objects and events.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Reacts with abrupt change when a face or object suddenly disappears from view.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Smiles with pleasure at recognisable playthings.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage young babies’ movements through your interactions, e.g. touching their fingers and toes and showing delight at their kicking and waving.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)