22/06/2026
Someone told me, just do it. Whether scared, shy, imperfectly, just do it.
So here is an imperfect series one of what I hope will be a weekly series to guiding parents and caregivers on toys that help their children achieve various developmental milestones.
The pincer grip is the ability to pick up and hold small objects using the thumb and index finger. It is an important fine motor skill that allows infants to feed themselves, turn pages, manipulate small objects, and later develop writing and self-care skills.
The pincer grip develops gradually as a baby’s hand muscles, coordination and visual-motor skills mature:
0–6 months: Babies use a reflexive grasp and can hold larger objects placed in their hands.
6–9 months: They begin using a raking motion to pick up objects and transfer items between hands.
9–12 months: An immature pincer grasp emerges, using the thumb and side of the index finger.
10–12 months: A mature pincer grip develops, allowing the baby to pick up very small items using the tips of the thumb and index finger.
Development is supported by opportunities to explore, reach, grasp and manipulate objects of different sizes and textures such as;
1. Stacking rings – encourage grasping and releasing.
2. Shape sorters – promote finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
3. Large beads or pegboards (age-appropriate) – encourage precise finger movements.
4. Blocks and building toys – develop grasp and release skills.
5. Finger foods (e.g., soft fruit pieces, cereal puffs) – naturally encourage pincer grasp practice.
6. Busy boards with buttons, switches, and latches – strengthen finger control.
7. Puzzles with k***s – encourage pinching and pulling movements.
8. Play dough – promotes finger strength through squeezing, pinching, and rolling.
9. Clothespins or pom-pom transfer activities (for older infants/toddlers) – refine finger coordination.
