Let’s play pets! Great for developing your baby’s hand control

What you need 

• A few different soft toys 

What to do 

1. Create a petting farm using cuddly toys. Set them out in a cosy play space where you and your baby can sit comfortably.  
2. Talk to them about each toy and as you do pick it up and gently stroke or pat it, as though it was a real pet.  
3. Pass the toy to your baby and encourage them to stroke it with one hand while the other holds the toy still.  

Good to know 

This activity encourages your baby to use both their hands for different tasks at the same time – a skill called ‘role-differentiated bimanual manipulation’. Like its name, this is a tricky skill to master, and they may need your help to hold the toy in place at first.  

You can practise this while out and about as well, by showing your baby interesting items you find in nature, like leaves, sticks and pebbles. Encourage them to hold something with one hand while stroking or exploring it with the other. Ensure you supervise this as your baby will try to taste their treasures.