0mo–11mo10 minFree playFamily timeSelf-care
Stop & Swap: Safe Wanting Practice
A supervised ‘yes-space’ routine where you practises calmly stopping unsafe grabs and swapping in safe alternatives while encouraging your child to use gaze/gesture to request what they want.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a safe, supervised floor space (clear of choking hazards and hazards like cords/hot drinks)
- 2–3 baby-safe ‘yes’ objects (large, clean, unbreakable), e.g., silicone spatula, large plastic cup, soft cloth, sturdy board book
Nice to have
- a baby gate or closed door to block off unsafe areas
- a small basket to hold the safe ‘yes’ objects
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
What it practices
- Uses pointing with eye gaze to make requests, and to share an interest.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses voice, gesture, eye contact and facial expression to make contact with people and keep their attention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Learns that own voice and actions have effects on others.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds to and thrives on warm, sensitive physical contactObservable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Be aware that babies have little sense of danger when their interests are focused on getting something they want.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)