Egg in a Cup · Beadbar

Safety

The egg must not fit the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. wide × 2.25 in. deep); an egg at least 4 cm (1.6 in.) wide does not fit.
Use unpainted wood or a finish sold as food-safe or toy-safe, because the egg will be mouthed.
Check the egg and cup for cracks and splinters before each use.

Presentation

1
Carry the tray, with the egg in its cup, to where the infant is sitting. Sit beside them and place the tray in front of them.
2
Hold the base of the cup with one hand. With the other, grasp the egg around its widest part.
3
Lift the egg straight up, slowly, and place it on the tray beside the cup.
4
Pause. Pick up the egg and lower it into the cup. The egg settling into the cup is the point of interest; move slowly so the infant sees it drop into place.
5
Take the egg out and put it back once more, then take your hands away.
6
Let the infant handle the egg and cup. Banging them together and mouthing them are part of the first stage; wait for placing to appear.
7
When the infant stops, put the egg in the cup and return the tray to the shelf.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

Egg in a cup that is not joined to a base, so the infant must hold the cup still
Peg in a cup: a wooden cylinder that fits a straight-sided cup and must go in straight down
Two cups with eggs of two sizes, each egg fitting only one cup

Control of error

An egg set in at an angle rocks or falls out; an egg set in straight stays in the cup.

Ready to move on when the child…

Takes the egg out and puts it back without help
Holds the cup steady with one hand while placing the egg with the other
Repeats taking out and putting back several times in one sitting

Guide note

Sources place the first offer at about 8–9 months; the range here runs to 11 months because infants who start later still use it. It is offered alongside the Object Permanence Box; either can come first.