grasping

“The first step in movement is grasping…and soon as the hands grasp something, consciousness is called to the hand….”- Maria Montessori, Education for a New World.

Work of intentional grasping started around week 10 for Anika. Check the signs of readiness on this post. Apart from some of her favorite rattles, I observed she loved grasping my clothes, her clothes, my jewelry and my hair 😀 I would classify the below items as beginning grasping tools as most are easier to grasp than a rattle too. So, here are some common everyday items she enjoys refining her grasping skills with….

My necklace 🙂 PS-supervision is essential

My wooden bangle has been her absolute favorite during tummy time. She is fascinated when it gets in her arms and she is wearing it 🙂

Silk scarf has been another favorite since its easy to grasp due to more surface area. We use it for back and tummy time. She loves to chew on it as well.

Highly recommend this baby paper from amazon. She loves the crinkly noise, it promotes freedom (place it on tummy and she uses it when she is ready) and promotes independence (wider surface area makes it easier to grasp even if fallen to the side)

We also love grasping grass/bark/leaves while outdoors

So today at week 13 here are all the items we have been working on to refine her grasp. She loves them and everyday I see her grasping is becoming more refined. I did introduce ‘ring on ribbon’ mobile as well but she batted it more than grasp it. I put it away, perhaps she will be ready for it in few more weeks. We are currently rotating our old mobiles, which she now loves to bat 🙂

Materials that we have used:

Rattles

Silk scarf

Baby paper