Fine motor play for a baby who has just learned to sit

Quick answer: Once your baby can sit, give them safe things to reach for, grab, bang, push, pull and drop into containers. NCT suggests wooden spoons, balls, building blocks and stacking cups. Stay close while they play, and keep small objects out of reach.

What parents need to know

NCT says that between six and nine months many babies learn to sit up unaided and start using their hands more effectively. Sitting up leaves their hands free, so reaching, grasping and dropping take over from lying under a play gym.

Expect almost everything to go in their mouth. NCT describes this stage as one of reaching, holding, looking, dropping and a great deal of mouthing. That's why the space they play in matters as much as the toys you give them.

Fine motor activities sorted by skill

Ordinary household objects are enough for all of these. Pick one skill at a time and play alongside your baby.

Reaching, grasping, pushing and pulling

The NHS suggests encouraging your baby to reach for, push and pull their toys as a simple way to improve their coordination. Put a ball or a wooden spoon on the floor just in front of them, then a little to one side, so they have to stretch and turn to reach it.

For babies who aren't crawling yet, the NHS physical activity guidelines list reaching and grasping, pulling and pushing as everyday ways to keep them active during supervised floor play.

Banging, shaking and clapping

NCT lists shaking rattles or tambourines, banging a wooden spoon on an upturned pan and clapping along to rhymes as favourites between six and nine months.

Take turns clapping your hands and then theirs together. The NHS calls clapping a pretty big milestone once a baby can do it alone, because it takes muscle control, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Putting in, taking out and stacking

Putting things into other things is a good game to start now, NCT says. Try taking objects out of a box, hiding a toy under a sheet of paper or a towel for your baby to find, or building a tower from stackable boxes or plastic cups for them to knock down.

Picking up food

Solids usually start at around six months. NCT notes that if you choose baby-led weaning, you offer finger foods such as cooked carrot, chunks of banana or unsalted breadsticks, and your baby picks them up and feeds themselves.

Think about size, shape and texture when you prepare finger foods. The NHS says babies can choke on small, sticky or slippery foods, and you should stay with your baby the whole time they're eating.

What to expect from 6 to 12 months

The ages below come from NCT and NHS pages. They're typical ranges, not deadlines.

• Around 6 months. Your baby may be learning to sit up unaided and will grab almost anything within reach (NCT). Solids usually start now, so food becomes something else to hold and explore.
• 6 to 9 months. Hands become more effective, and your baby will enjoy reaching out and grasping things. First teeth often come through at this stage, so expect more chewing on toys (NCT).
• 7 to 10 months. Most babies start crawling, though some shuffle on their bottoms instead (NHS). A favourite toy placed a little way off gives them a reason to move towards it.
• 9 to 12 months. Your baby will probably have a development review in this window. You can raise anything you've noticed about how they use their hands or move (NCT).
• 12 months. If your baby isn't showing any signs of moving by 12 months, ask your health visitor for advice (NHS).

Setting up a safe play space on the floor or at the highchair

A baby who grabs everything will also put everything in their mouth. These checks come from the NHS baby and toddler safety advice.

How hand play fits into an active day

The NHS advises keeping babies active throughout the day, every day, in a variety of ways. That includes at least 30 minutes of tummy time spread across the day while they're awake. Toys placed within reach during tummy time turn it into reaching practice as well.

Children under 5 shouldn't be inactive for long periods, except when they're asleep, and being strapped into a buggy for long periods isn't good for their development. Try not to keep your baby in a seat or buggy for long stretches. Regular floor play keeps them active.

The NHS also says your baby's favourite playmate is you. Talking about what they're holding and singing while they bang and shake gives them language practice at the same time.

Frequently asked questions

What if my baby doesn't like tummy time on the floor?

That's very common. The NHS suggests lying your baby on your chest or lap (only when you're wide awake and unlikely to fall asleep), putting toys within easy reach, talking or singing to them, or propping them up slightly with a small rolled-up towel under their arms. A short session every day builds up their tolerance gradually.

Can I use a tablet or phone to keep my baby busy at the highchair?

The NHS advises avoiding screen time for babies and toddlers under 2. If you do use a screen, use it for a shared activity that you do together, not on its own.