Activities to Work on Grasping With Infants

Somewhere around the 6- to 8-month mark, your baby will develop the ability to reach out and grasp objects that he has previously only hit or batted at. You will know he has reached this milestone when your hair, glasses and earrings are his new favorite toys. This milestone also typically coincides with your baby̵7;s desire to put everything in his mouth. This is an exciting time to play simple, interactive games with your baby.

  1. Textures and Sounds

    • Once your baby is able to grasp and hold objects, he may like feeling different textures. Cut a variety of fabrics into medium-sized squares and let your baby hold and look at each square. Consider using fabrics like corduroy, lace, denim and fleece to provide a variety of experiences. Place small hard objects such as buttons or bells into clear plastic baby food containers and secure the lids with hot glue or tape. Let your baby hold, shake, stack and examine the containers and their contents. Check these toys regularly to make sure that the lids are still securely attached.

    Hide and Seek

    • Show your baby a favorite toy then hide it under a blanket. Encourage your child to pull the blanket away to reveal his toy. If your child has trouble with this, leave part of the toy sticking out from under the blanket so your child can see it. Encourage him to pull his toy out from under the blanket and say, ̶0;you found it!̶1;. Alternatively, you can hide a toy behind your back while your baby watches, then encourage him to look behind you to find his toy.

    Finger Foods

    • Once your baby is grasping for objects, there is a good chance he will also start grabbing for the food on your plates. If your 7- to 10-month-old baby shows interest in food, you can give him small pieces of cereal, softer fruits like strawberries or baby puffs. Giving him one or two small pieces at a time will enable him to practice using his thumb and pointer finger together to pick up foods. Always stay nearby when your baby is eating so that you can make sure he does not choke.

    Safety Concerns

    • Safety is an important consideration during this stage. Anything that your baby grasps and picks up will likely go directly into his mouth. While this means food and toys, it can also mean potential choking hazards like coins, buttons or beads. Remember that if an object fits through the center of a toilet paper tube, it can be a choking hazard for a baby. Keep your baby̵7;s play area free of small objects and anything that does not belong in his mouth.

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