Skill· 10mo–12mo· 2 min
Grasping My Snacks
Parent involves toddler in food preparation by placing soft food in a sealed bag for mashing and grasping. The agent coaches the parent to observe different grasp patterns — whole-hand raking, finger isolation, and pincer grasp — while building fine motor skills and tactile exploration through food play.
Free to do together whenever you like.
What you'll need
Soft cooked food cut into cubes, sealed in a plastic bag with air removed. Toddler seated securely in high chair or at table. Have a bowl ready for serving after mashing. Ensure toddler is alert and not overly hungry.
How it works
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestonePincer grasp for small objectsBody· 8mo–12mo· core
- MilestoneExplores or responds to texturesBody· 6mo–12mo· core
- MilestoneExplores objects by linking together different approaches: shaking, hitting, looking, feeling, tasting, mouthing, pulling, turning and poking.Body· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneExperiments with object actionsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneApplies pincer grip in tasksBody· 12mo–2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestonePicks up tiny itemsBody· 9mo–16mo· stretch
- MilestoneExplores objects through the sensesBody· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 4
Visual example
Coming soon