Normal Development:

• Uses thumb and pointer finger to explore objects, turn knobs, dials, etc. (10–20 months)

• Builds a tower of three blocks (13–21 months)

• Draws simple, straight lines (14–24 months)

• Scribble with a crayon (16–20 months)

• Turns over containers to pour out the insides (16–24 months)

• May begin to show “righty” or “lefty” preference, but may not decide for a several more years (16–33 months)

What You Can Do:

• Play with cheerios

• Play with blocks

• Give your child paper and crayons (jumbo size crayons are great, but make sure your baby doesn’t eat them!)

• Play with puzzles

• Let your child practice using a spoon

• Water play in the bath

• When reading, let your child turn the pages of the book

Our Advice:

• It’s important to let your child practice using their fine motor skills, even though their practice can get messy (like when using a spoon). This is all a part of the process. Try to embrace the mess! 

• Let your child use a small cup to learn how to drink on their own.

• Be mindful of choking hazards.  If the item your child is playing with is small enough to fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is too small for them to play with!

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