Passing Toys Between Hands | Busy Little Hands

Moving Toys from One Hand to the Other

This skill means a child can pass a toy or object from one hand to the other. At first, babies may bring the toy to their mouth, explore it, and then move it to the other hand.

Why does it matter?

Hand-to-hand transfer helps babies learn how to hold, let go, and use both hands together. It also supports play, dressing, feeding, and later skills like holding paper with one hand while coloring with the other. This is an important step for coordination, hand strength, and fine motor development. Hand-to-hand transfer skills typically begin to develop between 5–7 months of age. During this stage, babies start intentionally moving toys from one hand to the other as their coordination improves. This early skill lays the foundation for many everyday activities later.

Easy Ways to Practice During Daily Routines

Diapering and Dressing

Give your child a small, safe toy to hold during dressing. When it is time to guide one arm through a sleeve, gently help your child move the toy to the other hand.

Mealtime or Snack Time

Offer one small food item at a time to the same hand. This encourages your child to move the first piece to the other hand so they can take the next one. Practice on both sides.

Playtime

Place a bowl, basket, or box with easy-to-hold toys in front of your child. Sometimes place it closer to the right hand and other times closer to the left. As your child picks up toys, they may naturally move them from one hand to the other.

Quick Tips & Hints:

What if they prefer one hand?

Some children naturally prefer using one hand more than the other, especially children with weakness on one side, such as those with brachial plexus injuries or hemiplegia. They may quickly learn to move toys into their stronger hand but avoid transferring items to the weaker hand.
To support balanced hand use, gently encourage your child to move toys into the less-used hand during play and daily routines. Practice with favorite toys and fun activities can help improve awareness, strength, and coordination of the weaker hand over time.