Using Both Hands Together (Bilateral Coordination)

Have you ever noticed how many daily tasks require both of your hands to work as a team? Whether you are text messaging, opening a tight jar, or unlocking the front door, your hands are constantly communicating. For young children, learning to use both hands together/ bilateral coordination, is a major developmental milestone.

It actually develops in three distinct stages:

  • The Double Hold: First, your child learns to hold one large object (like a big ball) using both hands at the same time.
  • The Dual Hold: Next, they progress to holding two different objects at the exact same time (one in each hand).
  • The Helper Hand: Finally, they master the ultimate teamwork skill, using one hand to hold something steady (the "stabilizer") while the other hand does the moving or adjusting (the "manipulator").

Think of how your child will eventually write: one hand guides the pencil, while the other hand keeps the paper from sliding away. Every time they practice these skills now, whether they are stacking blocks, stringing large beads, or scraping the very last bit of yogurt out of a cup, they are building the muscle memory and brain connections they will need for a lifetime of independence.

Easy Ways to Practice During Daily Routines

Bath Time

  • Double Splashing: Show your child how to make a big splash with both hands.
  • Toy Holding: Give them a small bath toy for each hand so they practice gripping two things at once.
  • Washcloth Teamwork: When washing up, have your child hold the washcloth with one hand while helping to rub the soap onto it with the other.

Book Time

  • Page Turner: While reading together on your lap, encourage your child to use both hands to help hold the edges of the book and turn the pages.

Diapering & Dressing

  • Diaper Duty Helpers: Keep little hands busy during diaper changes by asking them to hold the clean diaper in one hand and the tube of diaper cream in the other.
  • Getting Dressed: Encourage your child to use both hands to tug their socks and shoes on or off, or to pull up their pants. As they get older and more skilled, they can use one hand to steady the fabric and the other to work zippers and buttons.

 

Grooming & Hygiene

  • Toothbrushing: Have your child hold the toothpaste tube with one hand while trying to unscrew the cap with the other. Then, have them steady the toothbrush while you help them guide the paste onto the bristles.
  • Washing Face: Have your child hold their dry washcloth with both hands to bring it up to their face. Alternatively, if you use a bar of soap, have them hold the washcloth in one hand and gently rub the bar of soap onto the cloth with the other hand.

Mealtime & Snack Time

  • Bottle Holding: Once your baby can grasp toys, gently guide their hands onto their bottle to help them hold it. If they resist and expect you to do all the work, try holding the bottle close to their mouth without putting it all the way in. Often, they will reach out, grab it, and pull it the rest of the way themselves! If you let go right then, they might just decide to keep holding it.
  • Two-Handed Cups: Choose sippy cups with two handles. This naturally encourages your child to bring both hands to midline and use them together.
  • Stabilizing the Bowl: When your toddler is learning to use a spoon, gently cue them to hold the edge of the bowl or plate with their "helper hand" so it doesn't slide around while their "worker hand" scoops.
  • Double Snacks: When offering small snacks like crackers or puffs, give them two pieces at once, one for each hand, to practice that dual-holding skill.

Quick Tips & Hints 

What if they prefer one hand?

  • Children under a year old generally don't show a strong hand preference. If you notice your baby favoring one hand early on, gently wake up the other hand by tapping it, massaging it, or playfully shaking it to encourage them to use it more.
  • The "Helper Hand" Rule: If your child does have a very strong hand preference, let their favorite hand be the "worker" (the one doing the moving) and use the other hand as the "helper" (the one holding the object still). It is much easier for a child to hold an object steady with their non-preferred hand than it is to try to do precise movements with it.
  • Action Rattles: Look for rattles with spinning or moving parts. These naturally invite a child to hold the base with one hand while spinning the middle with the other.
  • Spice Bottle Fun: Empty, washed plastic spice bottles are the perfect size for toddler hands. They are fantastic for two-handed play, like twisting the lids on and off or filling the bottle up with toys and dumping them back out.