8mo–20mo9 minTummy timeActive playFree play
Stretch, Roll, Explore Space
A short movement-and-exploration setup where you creates a safe open space for your child to roll, stretch, reach, and explore freely, with calm narration and responsive pacing.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clear floor space (blanket or mat if helpful)
- 2–4 baby-safe objects (soft toy, rattle, textured cloth, plastic cup)
Nice to have
- pillows/cushions to block hazards (not for unsupervised use)
- music (optional, low volume)
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneHas a strong exploratory impulse.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneCrawls or scoots for floor mobilityBody· 7mo–12mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneExplores with caregiver as secure baseHeart· 10mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneLooks around a room with interest; visually scans environment for novel, interesting objects and events.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 1
- MilestonePoints and gazes to share attentionHeart· 8mo–2y· stretch
What it practices
- Holds own bottle or cup.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Grasps finger foods and brings them to mouth.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Attempts to use spoon: can guide towards mouth but food often falls off.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can actively cooperate with nappy changing (lies still, helps hold legs up).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Starts to communicate urination, bowel movement.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Engages other person to help achieve a goal, e.g. to get an object out of reach.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Explores new toys and environments, but ‘checks in’ regularly with familiar adult as and when needed.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Allow enough space for babies to move, roll, stretch and explore.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)