0mo–11mo9 minTummy timeDevelopmental playFree play
Kick and Stretch Time
A short floor-time routine that gives your child space to kick and stretch on their back and tummy, supporting free movement and early strength.
What you'll need
Essentials
- soft blanket or towel on the floor
Nice to have
- rolled towel (for brief tummy-time support, if needed)
- a clean muslin cloth (for gentle touch/attention)
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneSpontaneous limb movementBody· 0mo–4mo· core
- MilestoneProne head and chest liftBody· 3mo–15mo· core
- MilestoneBrief prone head liftBody· 0mo–4mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneProne forearm supportBody· 2mo–6mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneRolls over independentlyBody· 5mo–10mo· stretch
- MilestonePlays with feet while supineBody· 4mo–14mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneRolls tummy to backBody· 4mo–6mo· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Makes movements with arms and legs which gradually become more controlled.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
- Rolls over from front to back, from back to front.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Let babies kick and stretch freely on their tummies and backs.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)