8mo–20mo10 minDevelopmental playFree playFamily time
Stand & Step Treasure Trail
A short, safe movement trail that follows your child's motivation to pull up, cruise, and take supported steps while you stay close and encouraging.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clear floor space (move breakables and small hazards out of reach)
- a blanket or play mat
- one stable low surface for pulling up (sofa edge or sturdy coffee table)
- 2 favourite safe toys (to use as ‘treasures’)
Nice to have
- 2 cushions/pillows for soft landing spots
- a non-slip rug or towel under feet/hands if the floor is slippery
- a large empty cardboard box as an extra ‘destination’
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
- MilestoneAssisted walkingBody· 9mo–12mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCruises along furnitureBody· 10mo–15mo· core
- MilestonePulls to standBody· 8mo–13mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneStands while holding supportBody· 9mo–18mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneTakes first independent stepsBody· 12mo–15mo· core
- MilestoneCrawls or scoots for floor mobilityBody· 7mo–12mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneWalks independentlyBody· 15mo–20mo· stretch
- MilestoneStoops or squats and stands againBody· 15mo–18mo· 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
- “Support and encourage babies’ drive to stand and walk.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)