Little Hands Turn the Pages

Let your baby turn pages as you look at a picture book together, giving their hands an active role in reading.

Focus

Steps

1
Begin early book play with the simple action of turning pages. It is enjoyable and gives your baby practice controlling small finger movements.
2
Hold your baby on your lap with a sturdy board book and talk about the pictures as you turn the pages.
3
After several pages, invite a turn: “Can you help me turn the page?”
4
If your baby catches only a corner, guide their hand to the page edge and turn it slowly together.
5
Try cloth books or lift-the-flap books too. Pulling a flap or lifting a soft page reveals a new picture and invites another small hand movement.
6
When your baby turns a page, respond to the action: “You turned it! What’s on this page?”

Uses their hands to open and turn pages in different picture books Fine Motor
Copies you by placing one hand at the edge of a page and trying to turn it Imitation and Symbolic Representation and Play

Your baby may squeeze the pages firmly or turn several at once. These little slips are signs that their hands are actively practicing.

Movement: Turning pages in books made from different materials gives your baby practice controlling individual fingers and other small hand movements.

Better Parenting Content Team · Updated September 11, 2026