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Birth–11 monthsThe Natural World

Smiles with pleasure at recognisable playthings.

Observe whether the child: smiles with pleasure at recognisable playthings.

What it looks like

Three ways this behaviour shows up as a child grows. Each level includes everyday moments to watch for.

Emerging

Just starting

Sometimes brightens or gives a brief smile when a familiar plaything appears, especially in a familiar routine or after adult prompting. Responses are inconsistent or short-lived.

What you might see

  • A familiar toy is held up at close range; the baby looks briefly but does not smile or show excited movement.
  • A favourite plaything is placed nearby; the baby does not look toward it more than other items and shows no change in expression.
  • Gives a quick smile when a familiar toy makes a sound, but does not maintain attention or reach toward it.
  • Smiles at a familiar toy only when an adult shakes it or speaks excitedly about it.

Expected

On track

Shows recognisable pleasure (smile, excited vocalisation, reaching) when a familiar plaything is presented in a familiar context. May need the toy to be close or moving/sounding to trigger the response.

What you might see

  • Smiles and reaches when a familiar soft toy is brought close, then calms when it is taken away.
  • When a recognisable rattle is shown, smiles and kicks/arms move excitedly for a short moment.

Exceeding

Going further

Consistently smiles with pleasure at recognisable playthings across contexts and anticipates interaction (leans/reaches toward it). Response appears linked to recognition, not just novelty.

What you might see

  • On seeing a familiar plaything across the room, smiles and leans/turns body toward it to get closer.
  • Smiles immediately when the familiar toy appears, even before it is activated (before shaking/pressing).
  • Looks toward the usual storage spot (basket/shelf) and smiles when the familiar toy is retrieved.
  • Smiles at the toy, then looks to an adult while still smiling as if to share the moment.

Try this at home

Small everyday moments where you can notice this behaviour without setting up anything special.

  • Morning routine: show a familiar toy you use every day and notice whether your baby smiles before you start playing with it.

  • Floor play: place two toys (one familiar, one new) and observe whether your baby smiles or reaches more for the recognisable one.

  • Transition: after a short break (nappy change), bring back a familiar plaything and watch for an immediate smile on reappearance.

  • Story/singing: use the same puppet/toy each time and notice whether your baby smiles when it appears at the start of the routine.

  • Out-and-about: bring a familiar comfort toy and observe whether your baby smiles on seeing it in a new environment.

Connected behaviours

Behaviours that scaffold, follow, or co-emerge with this one.

Where this comes from

The framework source and supporting developmental research.

Framework source

  • Development Matters in the EYFS (2012), DfE (DM2012).

    Uses smiling at recognisable playthings as an observable indicator of early recognition/interest in the world during birth–11 months.

Five-level rubric (detailed)Show

The full progression underlying the three levels above. Used by the platform’s reasoning agent when planning activities and observations.

Not Yet
Shows no clear positive facial response to familiar playthings; expression remains neutral or attention drifts. May not show signs of recognising a particular toy versus any other object.
  • A familiar toy is held up at close range; the baby looks briefly but does not smile or show excited movement.
  • A favourite plaything is placed nearby; the baby does not look toward it more than other items and shows no change in expression.
Emerging
Sometimes brightens or gives a brief smile when a familiar plaything appears, especially in a familiar routine or after adult prompting. Responses are inconsistent or short-lived.
  • Gives a quick smile when a familiar toy makes a sound, but does not maintain attention or reach toward it.
  • Smiles at a familiar toy only when an adult shakes it or speaks excitedly about it.
Developing
Shows recognisable pleasure (smile, excited vocalisation, reaching) when a familiar plaything is presented in a familiar context. May need the toy to be close or moving/sounding to trigger the response.
  • Smiles and reaches when a familiar soft toy is brought close, then calms when it is taken away.
  • When a recognisable rattle is shown, smiles and kicks/arms move excitedly for a short moment.
Secure
Consistently smiles with pleasure at recognisable playthings across contexts and anticipates interaction (leans/reaches toward it). Response appears linked to recognition, not just novelty.
  • On seeing a familiar plaything across the room, smiles and leans/turns body toward it to get closer.
  • Smiles immediately when the familiar toy appears, even before it is activated (before shaking/pressing).
Reflexive
Shows clear preference and seeks out recognisable playthings (looks/reaches when they are nearby; smiles on seeing them again) and may initiate a play routine with them. Shares enjoyment by looking toward an adult while smiling.
  • Looks toward the usual storage spot (basket/shelf) and smiles when the familiar toy is retrieved.
  • Smiles at the toy, then looks to an adult while still smiling as if to share the moment.