0mo–11mo10 minNapQuiet timeFree play
Quiet Awake Options
Helps you plan two calm, supervised alternatives for your child when they’re awake while others are sleeping, using cue-reading, warm contact, and gentle play.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clear, safe floor space with a blanket or play mat
- a comfortable place for you to sit close by
Nice to have
- a soft cloth or muslin
- one or two baby-safe household items to explore (e.g., plastic cup, wooden spoon)
- a simple picture book
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
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
- “Plan alternative activities for babies who do not need sleep at the same time as others do.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)