0mo–11mo8 minQuiet timeMealtimeSelf-care
Warm, Quick Response Routine
A gentle 8-minute routine to tune in to your child’s cues and respond warmly and consistently, with short pauses that invite baby’s gaze, movement, and early back-and-forth.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a soft blanket or muslin
- one baby-safe item (soft toy, cloth, or rattle)
Nice to have
- a quieter corner with dimmer light
- a comfortable chair or floor cushion
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
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core
- MilestoneResponds to what carer is paying attention to, e.g. following their gaze.Heart· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneCalms with caregiver soothingHeart· 0mo–3mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneImitates facial movementsMind· 4mo–8mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneLooks at and follows facesHeart· 0mo–12mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneVocalizes back during interactionHeart· 2mo–8mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· core· Steps 1, 3
- MilestoneSeeks attention through eye contactHeart· 0mo–4mo· core
- MilestoneBids to keep adult attentionHeart· 3mo–5mo· stretch
- MilestoneDeveloping the ability to follow others’ body language, including pointing and gesture.Mind· 10mo–15mo· core· Step 4
- MilestonePoints and gazes to share attentionHeart· 8mo–2y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Enjoys the company of others and seeks contact with others from birth.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Gazes at faces and copies facial movements. e.g. sticking out tongue, opening mouth and widening eyes.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- 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
- 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
- “Tune in sensitively to babies, and provide warm, loving, consistent care, responding quickly to babies’ needs.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)