Playing with Fingers and Toes
Here's What To Do
Help me learn that my hands and feet belong to me and that I can control their movements!
Play games like "This Little Piggy" or another favorite finger game from your childhood with my fingers and toes while we're getting dressed. Touch or kiss my fingers and toes while we play.
After my bath, massage my hands, fingers, feet and toes with baby lotion. Put a tiny bit of lotion on my hands and help me rub my own feet.
Try to provide some time each day for me to play in a warm room wearing only my diaper. This will encourage me to move and touch my arms and legs.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Smile at me before we begin.
Engage:
- "This little piggy went to market/ This little piggy stayed home/ This little piggy had roast beef/ and this little piggy had none/ This little piggy cried wee wee wee all the way home."
- -Touch a different finger or toe for each "this little piggy" line, and then tickle me during the "wee wee wee all the way home" line.
- "Time for a baby massage! First I'm going to lotion each of your fingers. Does that feel nice?"
Encourage:
- If you notice me looking at my fingers or toes, encourage me. Like: "That's right, those are your toes! They're on your feet!"
- Attach a wrist rattle around my ankle to encourage me to reach for my feet.
Reflect:
- Do I seem to understand that I can move my hands and my feet on purpose?
Not quite ready?
Help me discover my hands by placing something fun on my hand or wrist, like a baby sock or a wrist rattle.
Ready for more?
Help me explore soap bubbles, dry rice, or sand with my hands and feet.
As your child masters this skill...
They will begin to move their hands and feet with purpose.