0mo–11mo7 minQuiet timeRestSelf-care
I’m Here, You’re Safe
A gentle co-regulation routine where you uses warm touch and a steady voice to reassure your child, supporting felt safety, calm, and early self-soothing.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a comfortable place to sit with your child safely supported (arms, lap, or lying safely on a mat with supervision)
Nice to have
- a soft muslin cloth or blanket
- a quieter/dimmer space (if available)
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 it practices
- Responds to and thrives on warm, sensitive physical contactObservable behaviour from Development Matters
- Expresses discomfort, hunger or thirst.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Laughs and gurgles, e.g. shows pleasure at being tickled and other physical interactions.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Talk to young babies as you stroke their cheeks, or pat their backs, reminding them that you are there and they are safe.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)