0mo–11mo10 minFamily timeQuiet time
Voice-to-Face Check-Ins
A gentle floor-time routine for babies to practise orienting to you, enjoying short back-and-forth games, and returning for comfort before exploring again nearby.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a comfy blanket or mat
- one baby-safe favourite toy/object (soft rattle, cloth, or teether)
- a cosy cuddle spot (your lap or a pillow)
Nice to have
- a small mirror
- a familiar soothing song you use often
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
- MilestonePlays simple back-and-forth gamesHeart· 6mo–14mo· core
- MilestoneExplores with caregiver as secure baseHeart· 10mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneLooks at a speaking caregiverMind· 1mo–6mo· core· Step 1
- 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
- MilestoneCalms with caregiver soothingHeart· 0mo–3mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneSeeks caregiver comfortHeart· 0mo–12mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core
- MilestoneUses familiar adult support in new situationsHeart· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneVocalizes back during interactionHeart· 2mo–8mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneReciprocal social smileHeart· 1mo–4mo· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct