8mo–20mo10 minFree playMealtimeFamily time
Follow Their Interest: Mini Mix-and-Match
A short, baby-led rotation where the adult notices interest cues and offers a small variety of activities, stories, and games while keeping the baby’s choices at the centre.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 safe toys (e.g., soft ball, stacking cups)
- 1–2 board books
- a scarf/tea towel (for peekaboo)
Nice to have
- age-appropriate finger food and a cup/bottle (if it’s a usual routine time)
- a baby spoon and thick puree (only if already part of your routine)
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
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· core· Step 1
- MilestonePoints and gazes to share attentionHeart· 8mo–2y· stretch
- MilestoneAnticipates repeated sounds, sights and actions, e.g. when an adult demonstrates an action toy several times.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneResponds to peek-a-booHeart· 8mo–10mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneExplores with caregiver as secure baseHeart· 10mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneFeeds self with fingersBody· 11mo–16mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneHolds and drinks from a cupBody· 15mo–18mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneLaughs spontaneouslyHeart· 4mo–9mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneFeeds self with spoonBody· 12mo–2.1y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Respond to what babies show you they are interested in and want to do, by providing a variety of activities, stories and games.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)