0mo–11mo12 minOutdoorFree playDevelopmental play
Novelty Senses & Wiggles
Introduce safe novelty (new textures, sounds, and sights) to encourage your child to use their senses and move—turning, reaching, kicking, and rolling—indoors or outdoors with close supervision.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a blanket or play mat
- 2–3 safe novelty items (e.g., wooden spoon, clean whisk, crinkly cloth; larger than mouth; no small parts)
- one familiar comfort toy
Nice to have
- a shady outdoor spot OR an open window for fresh air
- a baby-safe mirror (unbreakable)
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· Step 1
- MilestoneRolls over independentlyBody· 5mo–10mo· core
- MilestoneExplores or responds to texturesBody· 6mo–12mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneFleeting Attention – not under child’s control, new stimuli takes whole attention.Mind· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneProne head and chest liftBody· 3mo–15mo· stretch
- MilestoneTurns toward and locates a soundMind· 1mo–11mo· core
- MilestoneSpontaneous limb movementBody· 0mo–4mo· core
- MilestoneBrief prone head liftBody· 0mo–4mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCrawls or scoots for floor mobilityBody· 7mo–12mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneTransfers object between handsBody· 6mo–12mo· 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
- 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
- “Provide novelty in the environment that encourages babies to use all of their senses and move indoors and outdoors.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)