0mo–11mo7 minBath timeQuiet time
Sponge Squeeze Surprise
A gentle, sensory talk-and-play moment where you describe what an object feels like and show how it changes shape when squeezed or stretched, using a sponge and soft fabrics in a safe, supervised way for birth–11 months.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clean soft sponge or washcloth
- a towel or blanket for comfort
- your hands and your voice (close, calm, responsive)
Nice to have
- a stretchy sock or soft fabric strip (adult holds; do not leave loose fabric unattended)
- a soft ball or silicone teether (for comparison of 'squishy' vs 'firm')
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
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Talk about what objects are like and how objects, such as a sponge, can change their shape by being squeezed or stretched.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)