0mo–11mo10 minFree playOutdoor
Safe Space Move, Roll & Explore
A quick set-up and guided floor-play routine where you creates a safe, spacious area for your child to move, roll, stretch and explore, supporting early reaching, grasping, and whole-body exploration.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a soft blanket or play mat
- a clear, flat floor space (or a flat outdoor space like grass) with hazards removed
- 2–3 safe everyday objects that are large enough not to be a choking hazard (e.g., a wooden spoon, a large plastic cup, a soft cloth)
Nice to have
- a rolled towel for gentle support (if needed)
- a cushion or sofa edge nearby for adult comfort (not for baby to climb)
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
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· core
- MilestoneReaches accurately and graspsBody· 3mo–6mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneExplores objects through the sensesBody· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneTurns head while supineBody· 0mo–2mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneLooks around a room with interest; visually scans environment for novel, interesting objects and events.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 1
- MilestonePlays with feet while supineBody· 4mo–14mo· stretch
- MilestoneExplores objects by mouthingBody· 4mo–8mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneExplores objects by linking together different approaches: shaking, hitting, looking, feeling, tasting, mouthing, pulling, turning and poking.Body· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneLooks at own handsBody· 2mo–5mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneHolds one object in each handBody· 4mo–10mo· stretch
- MilestoneTransfers object between handsBody· 6mo–12mo· stretch
What it practices
- Gradually develops ability to hold up own head.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
- 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
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Have well-planned areas that allow babies maximum space to move, roll, stretch and explore in safety indoors and outdoors.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)