Move and Feel It

1. 1

   During tummy time, place a toy a short distance in front of your baby where they can see it clearly.

2. 2

   When your baby reaches, wait before helping and let them shift or stretch toward it.

3. 3

   If the toy remains too far away, move your baby slightly closer while leaving the final reach to them.

4. 4

   When the toy comes within reach, encourage simply: “Almost there.”

5. 5

   Once your baby touches it, respond: “You reached it!”

6. 6

   Reaching and twisting toward the toy gives your baby experience adjusting whole-body movement using what they see and feel.

What to notice

• Reaches forward and touches the toy Perception
• Makes repeated attempts to reach and touch the toy Cognitive Self-Regulation (Executive Functioning)

Tips

• A 4-month-old often looks at a toy before trying to reach. Do not rush in—your baby is using their eyes to guide their hand.
• If they miss, give them time to adjust their movement and try again.

Developmental benefits

• Movement: Reaching toward a toy and adjusting posture to touch it gives your baby experience coordinating their eyes, hands, and body across a small distance.