0mo–11mo8 minTummy timeFree playQuiet time
Side-by-Side Treasure Reach
Place interesting textures beside your child to invite turning, reaching, touching, and early grasping—supporting exploration of the space close to their body.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a soft blanket or play mat
- one crinkly item (e.g., clean crinkly paper inside a fabric pouch, or a noisy wrapper secured safely)
- one light, soft fabric (muslin, scarf, or small cloth)
Nice to have
- a baby-safe toy with tags
- a small rolled towel to support tummy time (only if appropriate and supervised)
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
- MilestoneExplores objects through the sensesBody· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneExplores or responds to texturesBody· 6mo–12mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneHolds placed toy or rattleBody· 2mo–6mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneSustains visual attention brieflyMind· 1mo–4mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneExplores objects by mouthingBody· 4mo–8mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneHolds one object in each handBody· 4mo–10mo· stretch
- MilestonePincer grasp for small objectsBody· 8mo–12mo· stretch
What it practices
- 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
- “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)