8mo–20mo10 minDevelopmental playFree playFamily time
Yes-Space Movers: Roll, Crawl, Cruise
A quick ‘clear-and-play’ routine where you plan a safe space so your child can move freely—rolling, crawling, cruising, or stepping—while you observe steady posture and continuous movement.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clear floor space (move breakables and small hazards out of reach)
- a blanket or play mat
- 2 larger, safe toys (to place as ‘targets’ in the space)
Nice to have
- a sofa edge or low, stable furniture for cruising (with close supervision)
- one cushion to create a tiny ‘over’ obstacle
- a soft ball to roll as a moving target
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
- MilestoneCrawls or scoots for floor mobilityBody· 7mo–12mo· core
- MilestoneCruises along furnitureBody· 10mo–15mo· core
- MilestoneWalks independentlyBody· 15mo–20mo· core
- MilestoneTakes first independent stepsBody· 12mo–15mo· stretch
- MilestoneWhen sitting, can lean forward to pick up small toys.Body· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneRolls over independentlyBody· 5mo–10mo· stretch
- MilestoneStands while holding supportBody· 9mo–18mo· core· Step 3
What it practices
- Sits unsupported on the floor.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Crawls, bottom shuffles or rolls continuously to move around.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Walks around furniture lifting one foot and stepping sideways (cruising), and walks with one or both hands held by adult.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Takes first few steps independently.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Plan space to encourage free movement.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)