0mo–11mo8 minFamily timeSocial playQuiet time
Hello-Goodbye Watch
A calm ‘watch and follow’ routine where your child notices other children (or family members) coming and going nearby, encouraging head turning, tracking, and engagement.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a comfortable, safe place for your child (your lap or on a blanket on the floor)
Nice to have
- a familiar comfort item (small blanket or soft toy, if used in 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
- MilestoneTracks a moving object across midlineBody· 2mo–5mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneClosely observes what animals, people and vehicles do.Mind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneEarly visual trackingBody· 0mo–2mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneTurns toward and locates a soundMind· 1mo–11mo· core
- MilestoneWaves bye-byeHeart· 10mo–12mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 4
What it practices
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)