Twist Open the Jars

1. 1

   After washing your baby’s face, let them watch as Mom opens the moisturizer and applies a little. With repetition, your baby may reach for the jar and try twisting the lid.

2. 2

   If the lid is too tight, loosen it slightly and offer another try.

3. 3

   When your baby opens it, describe the success: “You twisted the lid and opened it!” Then continue the familiar routine.

4. 4

   On another day, ask your baby to help Mom open the moisturizer. Try containers with different lid shapes and see which actions they use.

5. 5

   Give them time. They may repeat the twisting action that worked before, using an earlier strategy on a new problem.

6. 6

   As opening lids becomes familiar, invite your baby to try a similar everyday container and watch whether they transfer the same method.

What to notice

• Uses a similar twisting action to try opening Mom’s face-cream jar Reasoning and Problem-Solving
• Hands the container to you for help when they cannot unscrew it Relationships with Adults

Tips

• If opening the first jar is difficult, watch how your child tries before offering help. Then choose a second jar with a manageable lid and let them use the approach they just practiced.

Developmental benefits

• Cognitive: Trying containers with different lids encourages your child to adapt a method that worked before to solve a new opening problem.