0mo–11mo10 minFree playDevelopmental playTummy time
Side-by-Side Sensory Explore
A nearby-space exploration game: place safe textures beside your child to encourage turning, reaching, and shifting attention left and right.
What you'll need
Essentials
- soft blanket or towel on the floor
- light soft cloth (e.g., scarf or muslin)
- a piece of crinkly paper (adult holds and keeps away from mouth)
Nice to have
- rolled towel (for gentle support in side-lying or tummy time)
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 2
- MilestoneTurns toward and locates a soundMind· 1mo–11mo· stretch
- MilestoneTurns head while supineBody· 0mo–2mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneRolls over independentlyBody· 5mo–10mo· stretch
- MilestoneSwats or bats at objectsBody· 3mo–5mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneCrawls or scoots for floor mobilityBody· 7mo–12mo· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Turns head in response to sounds and sights.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Makes movements with arms and legs which gradually become more controlled.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Rolls over from front to back, from back to front.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage babies to explore the space near them by putting interesting things beside them, such as crinkly paper, or light, soft material.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)