0mo–11mo8 minTummy timeQuiet timeFamily time
Grab, Suck, Squeeze Time
A calm, closely supervised sensory-and-movement routine using safe household objects for your child to hold, suck, pull, and squeeze while also supporting early gross-motor control (tummy time, head turning, rolling).
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clean washcloth or small towel
- a soft sponge or soft cloth (clean and intact)
- a large, baby-safe silicone or plastic spoon/teether (one solid piece)
Nice to have
- a soft ball
- a rolled-up muslin cloth (large enough not to be a choking hazard)
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
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· core· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneReaches accurately and graspsBody· 3mo–6mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneProne head and chest liftBody· 3mo–15mo· core
- MilestoneRolls over independentlyBody· 5mo–10mo· stretch
- MilestoneProne head lift with turningBody· 1mo–3mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneTurns toward and locates a soundMind· 1mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneSits without supportBody· 6mo–9mo· 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
- “Provide objects to be sucked, pulled, squeezed and held, to encourage the development of fine motor skills.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)