0mo–11mo8 minQuiet timeRestFamily time
Rock & Hug Reset
A gentle co-regulation practice where you use safe holding, cuddling, and slow rocking to help your child move from upset back to calm, building trust in touch, faces, and soothing voices.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a safe, stable seat (chair/sofa) or clear floor space
- a light blanket or muslin cloth (optional if you already use one)
Nice to have
- a familiar quiet phrase you use at home (e.g., “I’m here”)
- a comfort item (if your child uses one)
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
- MilestoneCalms with caregiver soothingHeart· 0mo–3mo· core
- MilestoneUses familiar adult to share feelings such as excitement or pleasure, and for ‘emotional refuelling’ when feeling tired, stressed or frustrated.Heart· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneSeeks caregiver comfortHeart· 0mo–12mo· stretch
- MilestoneLooks at a speaking caregiverMind· 1mo–6mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneLooks at and follows facesHeart· 0mo–12mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneEnjoys the company of others and seeks contact with others from birth.Heart· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Steps 1, 2
What it practices
- Is comforted by touch and people’s faces and voices.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Seeks physical and emotional comfort by snuggling in to trusted adults.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Calms from being upset when held, rocked, spoken or sung to with soothing voice.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows a range of emotions such as pleasure, fear and excitement.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Reacts emotionally to other people’s emotions, e.g. smiles when smiled at and becomes distressed if hears another child crying.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use calming processes such as rocking or hugging.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)