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8–20 monthsManaging Self

Can actively cooperate with nappy changing (lies still, helps hold legs up).

Observe whether the child: can actively cooperate with nappy changing (lies still, helps hold legs up).

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

Can tolerate nappy changes for short moments with distraction or soothing but cooperation is inconsistent. May briefly pause movement, but rarely helps with legs or positioning.

What you might see

  • Immediately rolls away or arches body when placed for a change, requiring an adult to hold them still throughout.
  • Kicks legs continuously and pushes the adult's hands away during cleaning.
  • Cries/escalates for the full change and does not settle with routine soothing.
  • Stays still only while watching a toy/song, then resumes rolling/kicking partway through.
  • Allows cleaning for a few seconds, then resists again.
  • Briefly lifts hips/legs by accident (not on cue) but cannot repeat when asked.

Expected

On track

Cooperates with support in familiar routines: lies still for parts of the change and may lift legs when prompted. Needs adult pacing, reassurance, and clear cues to complete the routine.

What you might see

  • When the adult says "legs up", lifts legs once or twice, then needs reminders.
  • Lies still through one part (wiping or fastening) but wriggles during another (undressing/redressing).
  • Moves hands away from the nappy area when redirected, then resumes cooperation.

Exceeding

Going further

Actively cooperates during most nappy changes, staying still and lifting legs at the right time with minimal prompting. Anticipates parts of the routine and recovers quickly if briefly unsettled.

What you might see

  • Lies still for most of the change and lifts legs when asked without a struggle.
  • Predictably helps at the same step each time (e.g., lifts legs for wiping, stays still for fastening).
  • Accepts being dressed again (pulls trousers up with help) without rolling away.
  • Goes to the changing area when cued (or brings nappy) and lies down with minimal prompting.
  • Lifts both legs and holds them up long enough for wiping without reminders.
  • Cooperates on the go (public toilet/changing mat) after a brief explanation, staying calmer than usual.

Try this at home

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

  • At the next nappy change, give one simple cue ("legs up") and observe whether your child responds by lifting their legs without you holding them.

  • Try the change after a transition (after outdoor play or car seat) and notice whether your child can still cooperate with the routine.

  • Use a predictable sequence (same words/song) and watch whether your child anticipates and helps at the same step each time.

  • Offer a small choice (which nappy/wipes) and observe whether participation increases cooperation.

  • During a change when your child is tired, notice whether a brief reassurance helps them return to stillness and cooperation.

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) (DM2012), Physical Development: Health and self-care (8-20m).

    Cooperating with caregiving routines is a key EYFS self-care behaviour and supports later toileting and dressing independence.

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
Resists nappy changes and struggles to stay still; may roll, kick, or cry throughout, making care very difficult without strong adult control. Does not participate in the routine.
  • Immediately rolls away or arches body when placed for a change, requiring an adult to hold them still throughout.
  • Kicks legs continuously and pushes the adult's hands away during cleaning.
  • Cries/escalates for the full change and does not settle with routine soothing.
Emerging
Can tolerate nappy changes for short moments with distraction or soothing but cooperation is inconsistent. May briefly pause movement, but rarely helps with legs or positioning.
  • Stays still only while watching a toy/song, then resumes rolling/kicking partway through.
  • Allows cleaning for a few seconds, then resists again.
  • Briefly lifts hips/legs by accident (not on cue) but cannot repeat when asked.
Developing
Cooperates with support in familiar routines: lies still for parts of the change and may lift legs when prompted. Needs adult pacing, reassurance, and clear cues to complete the routine.
  • When the adult says "legs up", lifts legs once or twice, then needs reminders.
  • Lies still through one part (wiping or fastening) but wriggles during another (undressing/redressing).
  • Moves hands away from the nappy area when redirected, then resumes cooperation.
Secure
Actively cooperates during most nappy changes, staying still and lifting legs at the right time with minimal prompting. Anticipates parts of the routine and recovers quickly if briefly unsettled.
  • Lies still for most of the change and lifts legs when asked without a struggle.
  • Predictably helps at the same step each time (e.g., lifts legs for wiping, stays still for fastening).
  • Accepts being dressed again (pulls trousers up with help) without rolling away.
Reflexive
Participates proactively (e.g., goes to changing area, offers nappy/wipes, adjusts body position) and can cooperate even in less ideal contexts (outings, unfamiliar caregiver) with simple explanation.
  • Goes to the changing area when cued (or brings nappy) and lies down with minimal prompting.
  • Lifts both legs and holds them up long enough for wiping without reminders.
  • Cooperates on the go (public toilet/changing mat) after a brief explanation, staying calmer than usual.