0mo–11mo10 minFamily timeTummy timeBath time
Gentle Motion Mix
A short, supervised sequence of rocking, rolling, bouncing, and splashing that helps your child explore different body movements safely indoors or outdoors (never force positions; support head/neck and stop if upset).
What you'll need
Essentials
- a soft blanket or play mat
- a rolled towel for support
- one baby-safe toy (larger than mouth; no small parts)
Nice to have
- a shallow bowl of water OR bath time setup (hands-on adult supervision at all times)
- a light scarf or muslin cloth
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
- MilestoneRolls over independentlyBody· 5mo–10mo· core
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneExperiments with object actionsMind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneSpontaneous limb movementBody· 0mo–4mo· stretch
- MilestoneTurns toward and locates a soundMind· 1mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneExplores or responds to texturesBody· 6mo–12mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneReaches accurately and graspsBody· 3mo–6mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneTurns head while supineBody· 0mo–2mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneProne head and chest liftBody· 3mo–15mo· stretch
What it practices
- Turns head in response to sounds and sights.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Makes movements with arms and legs which gradually become more controlled.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Rolls over from front to back, from back to front.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- When lying on tummy becomes able to lift first head and then chest, supporting self with forearms and then straight arms.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Engage babies in varied physical experiences, such as bouncing, rolling, rocking and splashing, both indoors and outdoors.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)