0mo–11mo9 minBath timeTummy timeFamily time
Roll, Rock, Splash Mix
A varied movement-and-sensory mini-session where your child experiences gentle rolling, rocking, and supervised splashing, with simple reaching and grasping opportunities built in.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a soft blanket or play mat
- a small towel
- a baby-safe toy (soft or easy to wipe clean)
Nice to have
- a shallow bowl of warm water OR bath time setup (for supervised splashing)
- a soft muslin cloth (for gripping and mouthing)
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
- MilestoneExplores objects through the sensesBody· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· core
- MilestoneKeeps head steadyBody· 5mo–10mo· core
- MilestoneExplores objects by mouthingBody· 4mo–8mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneHolds one object in each handBody· 4mo–10mo· stretch
- MilestonePincer grasp for small objectsBody· 8mo–12mo· stretch
What it practices
- Gradually develops ability to hold up own head.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Reaches out for, touches and begins to hold objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Explores objects with mouth, often picking up an object and holding it to the mouth.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Watches and explores hands and feet, e.g. when lying on back lifts legs into vertical position and grasps feet.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Engage babies in varied physical experiences, such as bouncing, rolling, rocking and splashing, both indoors and outdoors.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)