Twist It Through
Create a simple block challenge. As your baby pats, pushes, pulls, and turns the block, they can explore different ways to solve the problem.
- 9 months
- Quick prep
- At home
- About 5 minutes
Developmental benefits
- Cognitive：Trying several ways to move a block through the barrier gives your baby experience noticing a problem, testing actions, and trying again.
- Social/Emotional：Showing frustration, asking for help, and smiling after success gives your baby practice expressing feelings through looks and sounds.
Preparation
What You’ll Need
- 1
A sturdy play-yard panel or other vertical barrier and wide, flat blocks
Step 1
The Block Is Stuck
Pass blocks back and forth through the barrier with your baby. Once the game is familiar, offer one block sideways so it will not pass through. Wait and watch what your baby tries. Smile and describe each action as they work on the challenge.
What to notice
- Pats the barrier with the block and tries to move it through
Reasoning and Problem-Solving - Looks toward you to ask for help
Relationships with Adults
Tips
- Describe what your baby is doing: “You’re pushing the block.” Your calm attention supports their exploration.
- Some babies look for a while before moving. Give your baby time to study the problem and begin at their own pace.
Step 2
Turn It Together
Let your baby try several actions. If the block still will not pass through, gently guide their hands as you turn it together. Then offer a new block and let your baby try. Encourage them when they begin to turn it.
What to notice
- Holds the block with both hands and repeatedly pulls it closer Reasoning and Problem-Solving
- Calls out impatiently and looks to you for help
Emotional Functioning
Tips
- Step in when repeated attempts lead to rising frustration. Guide the turning action together, then give control back to your baby.
- Quick sounds, a frown, stopping, or looking at you can show that your baby is running out of patience.
Step 3
The Block Comes Through
When your baby gets the block through, describe exactly what worked and celebrate. Keep passing blocks through the barrier. Once turning becomes familiar, offer a block with a different shape.
What to notice
- Smiles after getting the block through Emotional Functioning
- Copies the turning action you demonstrated with the block
Imitation and Symbolic Representation and Play
Tips
- If your baby does not want another block, that is okay. Follow their interest.
- Offer a differently shaped block and see whether your baby uses the turning action again.
- Try specific praise: “You turned the block and got it through!” This connects the action with the result.
Better Parenting Content Team · Updated September 11, 2026