0mo–11mo10 minSocial playFamily timeQuiet time
Gentle Together Time
A planned, supervised 'together time' where you supports your child to be near an older sibling/friend in calm, baby-led ways—building comfort with social closeness and supporting early self-regulation.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a safe floor space or seated area for your child (mat/blanket, adult arms, or supported seat with supervision)
- one simple baby-safe item to share attention (a soft toy, board book, or rattle)
Nice to have
- a cushion for comfortable adult seating
- a second baby-safe item for turn-taking
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
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneSustains visual attention brieflyMind· 1mo–4mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneTurns toward and locates a soundMind· 1mo–11mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneReaches accurately and graspsBody· 3mo–6mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneBids to keep adult attentionHeart· 3mo–5mo· stretch
What it practices
- Responds to and thrives on warm, sensitive physical contactObservable behaviour from Development Matters
- Laughs and gurgles, e.g. shows pleasure at being tickled and other physical interactions.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Expresses discomfort, hunger or thirst.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Plan to have times when babies and older siblings or friends can be together.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)