0mo–11mo8 minQuiet timeFamily time
Safe Even When Waiting
A gentle routine that helps babies feel safe and loved during brief moments when the adult’s attention is on something else, using predictable check-ins, warm contact, and responsive cue-watching.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a safe place for your child to lie or sit (mat, cot, or your arms)
Nice to have
- a soft blanket or comfort cloth (if you already use one safely)
- a simple song/rhyme you use often
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
- “Be close by and available, to ensure that babies feel safe and loved even when they are not the centre of adult attention.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)