8mo–20mo10 minDevelopmental playFree playFamily time
Safe Stations: Pull-Up, Shuffle, Explore
A quick setup-and-play routine where you offer low, stable ‘stations’ so your child can pull up, shuffle, cruise, or walk nearby—staying safe without limiting exploration.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 low, stable supports (e.g., sofa edge, sturdy coffee table, or a heavy box that won’t slide)
- a play mat or blanket
- 2–3 cushions to pad likely ‘plop’ zones
- 3 safe toys (to place as exploration targets)
Nice to have
- a rolled towel as a tiny ‘over’ bump
- a non-slip rug/towel under a movable support if needed
- a laundry basket for ‘carry the toy’ transport play (adult supervised)
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneHas a strong exploratory impulse.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCruises along furnitureBody· 10mo–15mo· core
- MilestonePulls to standBody· 8mo–13mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCrawls or scoots for floor mobilityBody· 7mo–12mo· stretch
- MilestoneAssisted walkingBody· 9mo–12mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneTakes first independent stepsBody· 12mo–15mo· core
- 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
- Takes first few steps independently.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Offer low-level equipment so that babies can pull up to a standing position, shuffle or walk, ensuring that they are safe at all times, while not restricting their explorations.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)