How to use forwards and backwards chaining

If your baby is learning something new, you could see if using ‘backwards chaining or forwards chaining’ helps to decrease their frustration as they master the skill.  

What to try 

• In forwards chaining your baby might do the first step independently, then have some help with the next steps.  
• In backwards chaining they might do the final step.  
• Think about which step might be easier for your baby to do now and plan to help with the other steps, then let them do that one independently.  

Good to know 

Think about all the steps in the skill. Your baby might be eager to do things for themselves, and this can result in frustration as they master new skills. This frustration is a normal and healthy part of development; you can use it as a sign to step forward and offer an idea to help your baby meet their goal.