8mo–20mo10 minFree playFamily timeActive play
Safe Reach Adventure
A short, safety-first movement game that helps you set up a clear “yes space” so your child can crawl, cruise, and reach for what they want while you stay one step ahead of hazards.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a favourite large, safe toy (no small parts)
- 1–2 cushions or pillows
- a clear floor space
Nice to have
- a laundry basket or sturdy box (for a boundary)
- a folded towel (to pad a sharp corner)
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneResponds to a few appropriate boundaries, with encouragement and support.Heart· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneCrawls or scoots for floor mobilityBody· 7mo–12mo· core
- MilestoneWhen sitting, can lean forward to pick up small toys.Body· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneCruises along furnitureBody· 10mo–15mo· core
- MilestoneAssisted walkingBody· 9mo–12mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneTakes first independent stepsBody· 12mo–15mo· stretch
- MilestoneWalks independentlyBody· 15mo–20mo· stretch
What it practices
- Crawls, bottom shuffles or rolls continuously to move around.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Walks around furniture lifting one foot and stepping sideways (cruising), and walks with one or both hands held by adult.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- When sitting, can lean forward to pick up small toys.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Takes first few steps independently.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Be aware that babies have little sense of danger when their interests are focused on getting something they want.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)