Reaching and Swiping at Toys

Why does it matter?

Before babies can hold toys well, they first learn to reach, swipe, and bat at objects. These early movements help build:

Eye-hand coordination
Shoulder strength
Body awareness
Early play skills
Learning cause and effect

When babies swipe at a toy, and it moves or makes a sound, they begin learning: “My movements make things happen!

Easy Ways to Practice Reaching and Swiping

Bath Time

Hold floating toys close enough for your baby to splash, swipe, or reach toward.
Let baby touch, grab, or swipe a soft washcloth during bath time.
Gently move water with your hand to encourage visual tracking and reaching.

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Bed Time

Place the child's favorite soft lovey/ stuffed animal nearby to encourage swiping (while awake and supervised).
Hold a simple picture book (preferably soft fabric high-contrast books for babies under 3 months) close enough for the baby to swipe at pages or touch pictures.

Diapering/Dressing Time

Hold a clean diaper, small towel, or piece of clothing above your baby’s face and gently move it so your baby can look, swipe, or bat it away during peekaboo.
Gently tickle, rub, or tap your baby’s hand or arm, then pause with your hand close by. When your baby reaches toward or touches your hand, respond with a smile, sound, or gentle tickle again.

Meal/Snack Time

Encourage your child to reach for their bottle or cup by offering the bottle or cup just close enough for your child to reach toward.

Tummy Time / Floor Play

Place favorite toys within reach for your baby to stretch, swipe, or wiggle toward.
Place toys that make gentle sounds within the child's reach, which can encourage your baby to notice, reach, and swipe at toys while learning cause and effect.
Use black-and-white or brightly colored toys to encourage visual attention and reaching.
Soft scarves or ribbons – Gently move them close to encourage arm movement and swiping

General Tips

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Encourage Both Hands to Play

If your child tends to use one hand more than the other, try placing favorite toys or preferred items on the less-used side to encourage reaching and movement with that hand.

Try Hanging Toys

During supervised play, hang lightweight toys such as rattles or spoons from a safe bar or tube using short ribbons so your child can look at, swipe, and reach toward them.

Add toys that make gentle sounds

The sound can grab your baby’s attention and encourage batting, reaching, and repeated movements.

Toy Ideas

Soft rattles
Crinkle cloth books
Plush toys with gentle bells
Hanging play gym toys
Soft textured sensory balls
Lightweight teething rings
Baby-safe mirrors
Soft squeaky fabric toys