0mo–11mo7 minQuiet timeMealtimeSelf-care
Sensitive Touch Cuddle Routine
A calm, responsive cuddle-and-chat routine supporting secure attachment through gentle holding, face-to-face interaction, sensitive touch, and following your child’s cues.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a comfortable place to sit
- a light blanket or cloth
Nice to have
- baby-safe lotion/oil you already use (optional)
- a simple, safe object to look at together (e.g., a spoon or high-contrast cloth)
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
- MilestoneSeeks caregiver comfortHeart· 0mo–12mo· stretch
- MilestoneImitates facial movementsMind· 4mo–8mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneResponds to what carer is paying attention to, e.g. following their gaze.Heart· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneLooks at and follows facesHeart· 0mo–12mo· core
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneRecognizes familiar caregiverHeart· 0mo–10mo· stretch
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core
- MilestoneDeveloping the ability to follow others’ body language, including pointing and gesture.Mind· 10mo–15mo· core· Step 4
- MilestonePoints and gazes to share attentionHeart· 8mo–2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneCopies sounds or wordsMind· 10mo–20mo· core· Step 2
What it practices
- Enjoys the company of others and seeks contact with others from birth.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Gazes at faces and copies facial movements. e.g. sticking out tongue, opening mouth and widening eyes.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds when talked to, for example, moves arms and legs, changes facial expression, moves body and makes mouth movements.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Recognises and is most responsive to main carer’s voice: face brightens, activity increases when familiar carer appears.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds to what carer is paying attention to, e.g. following their gaze.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Hold and handle babies, since sensitive touch helps to build security and attachment.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)