0mo–11mo7 minTummy timeQuiet timeFamily time
Tummy & Back Wiggle Time
A gentle floor-time routine where the adult supports baby-led kicking and stretching on back and tummy, noticing comfort, head control, and early hand/foot exploration while keeping movement free and unforced.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a safe, firm floor space (mat/blanket)
- a small rolled towel (optional support under chest for tummy time)
- one baby-safe toy (soft toy or lightweight rattle) for looking/reaching
Nice to have
- a soft cloth or muslin (for gentle peek-and-pause)
- a baby-safe mirror (unbreakable) placed beside baby (not under them)
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
- MilestoneSpontaneous limb movementBody· 0mo–4mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneBrief prone head liftBody· 0mo–4mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneProne head and chest liftBody· 3mo–15mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestonePlays with feet while supineBody· 4mo–14mo· core
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch
- MilestoneLooks at own handsBody· 2mo–5mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneKeeps head steadyBody· 5mo–10mo· core
What it practices
- Gradually develops ability to hold up own head.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- 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
- “Let babies kick and stretch freely on their tummies and backs.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)