8mo–20mo8 minFree playTummy timeFamily time
Safe Reach & Swap: Yes-Space Exploration
A short floor-play routine that creates a safe “yes space” so your child can explore reaching, grasping, and pulling up. You’ll practise calm, quick swaps and gentle redirection, because babies can focus intensely on getting what they want without noticing danger.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clear floor space (a safe “yes space”)
- 2–3 large, baby-safe household objects (e.g., wooden spoon, plastic bowl, soft ball)
- a firm cushion/sofa edge for supported pull-to-stand (adult-supervised)
- masking tape and a tray/flat surface (for large pinch-and-peel tape tabs)
Nice to have
- a baby-safe mirror (for engagement)
- a soft blanket or mat
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
- MilestoneApplies pincer grip in tasksBody· 12mo–2y· core· Step 3
- MilestonePulls to standBody· 8mo–13mo· core
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· core
- MilestoneHolds one object in each handBody· 4mo–10mo· stretch
- MilestonePincer grasp for small objectsBody· 8mo–12mo· stretch
- MilestonePicks up tiny itemsBody· 9mo–16mo· stretch· Step 3
What it practices
- Pulls to standing, holding on to furniture or person for support.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Holds an object in each hand and brings them together in the middle, e.g. holds two blocks and bangs them together.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Picks up small objects between thumb and fingers.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)