0mo–11mo7 minQuiet timeSelf-careMealtime
Turn‑Away Means Pause
A short practice for noticing when your child turns away to signal ‘less stimulation’, then responding by pausing, calming, and re-offering connection gently.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a soft muslin or small blanket
Nice to have
- a quieter corner (curtain drawn or lights dimmed)
- a comfort item if your child uses one
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
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCalms with caregiver soothingHeart· 0mo–3mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUses familiar adult to share feelings such as excitement or pleasure, and for ‘emotional refuelling’ when feeling tired, stressed or frustrated.Heart· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneLooks at and follows facesHeart· 0mo–12mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· stretch
- MilestoneSeeks caregiver comfortHeart· 0mo–12mo· core
What it practices
- Responds when talked to, for example, moves arms and legs, changes facial expression, moves body and makes mouth movements.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Recognises and is most responsive to main carer’s voice: face brightens, activity increases when familiar carer appears.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Enjoys the company of others and seeks contact with others from birth.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds to what carer is paying attention to, e.g. following their gaze.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Notice when babies turn away, signalling their need for less stimulation.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)