0mo–11mo6 minWith other childrenFamily timeSocial play
Hello & Bye Watch: Coming-and-Going Noticing
A calm ‘watch and notice’ social routine where the adult helps your child notice other babies/children coming and going nearby, supporting early attention, tracking, reaching, and simple turn-taking gestures (wave/show), with comfort-first pacing.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a safe ‘watch spot’ (your lap, a blanket on the floor, or a stroller with brakes on)
- one baby-safe object to hold (soft toy or lightweight rattle)
Nice to have
- a doorway, hallway, or window area where children pass by naturally (or a calm playgroup setting)
- a small cloth for peek-and-pause if your child needs breaks
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneClosely observes what animals, people and vehicles do.Mind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneLooks around a room with interest; visually scans environment for novel, interesting objects and events.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneEarly visual trackingBody· 0mo–2mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneTracks a moving object across midlineBody· 2mo–5mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneWaves bye-byeHeart· 10mo–12mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneHolds placed toy or rattleBody· 2mo–6mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch
What it practices
- Gradually develops ability to hold up own head.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Reaches out for, touches and begins to hold objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Explores objects with mouth, often picking up an object and holding it to the mouth.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage babies to notice other babies and children coming and going near to them.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)