Normal Development:

• Able to move objects from one hand to the other hand (4–8 months)

• Scoop up small objects (watch out for choking!) (5–9 months)

• Brings objects together (6–12 months)

• Points  with index finger (8–11 months)

• Begins to put objects in and out of containers (8–11 months)

• Uses pincer grasp (thumb and index finger coming together). This position is important for learning to write one day! (8–11 months)

• Uses fingers to explore objects, turn knobs and dials (10–20 months)

What Can You Do?

• Encourage your baby to reach for objects

• Allow your baby to practice picking up small objects like cheerios (always watch for choking)

• Give your baby a rattle (or music making instrument) to hold and shake

• Play with blocks

• Use water toys in the bath (cups, bowls) help develop hand-eye coordination

• Start using a drinking cup

• Pick grass

Our Advice:

• A great way to check if a toy is a choking hazard is to measure it against a toilet paper roll. Any object that can fit inside the roll is too small for your baby to be playing with.

• Reaching and grasping common household objects (a pillow, a cheerio, a cup) helps a baby’s hand muscles to develop.

Try not to compare yourself to other parents, or your baby to other babies. Every family is different.

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