MV T1.03Reaching for an Object Just Out of Reach
The adult places a toy the infant wants slightly beyond their reach, so the infant rolls, pivots, or stretches to get it.
Safety
- Every toy must be too large to fit the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. × 2.25 in.), because the infant will put it in the mouth.
- Check the floor around the mat for small objects the infant could reach while moving.
- Any ball is at least 5 cm (2 in.) across; balls under 1.75 in. (4.4 cm) are banned for children under 3 (16 C.F.R. 1500.18(a)(17)).
Presentation
- 1
Watch the infant for a few days to learn which toys they reach for and how far they can reach now.
- 2
While the infant watches, place the toy on the mat to one side, about a hand's length beyond their fingertips.
- 3
Sit back and stay quiet. Do not hand them the toy or move them toward it.
- 4
Watch the infant roll, pivot, or stretch toward the toy. Closing the gap to the toy is the point of interest.
- 5
When they reach it, let them hold and mouth it as long as they want.
- 6
If the infant tries hard and then becomes upset, move the toy a little closer so the effort ends with the toy in their hand.
- 7
Next time, place the toy a little further away, or on the other side.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Place the toy on the other side, to practice rolling in both directions
- Place the toy in front of the infant while they are on the tummy, to invite pushing forward
- Place two toys at different distances
Control of error
The toy: if the infant does not move far enough, their hand does not reach it.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Rolls toward a toy on purpose in both directions
- Pivots in a circle on the tummy to reach a toy
- Pushes forward or backward on the tummy toward a toy
- Keeps trying for a short time before asking for help
Guide note
The aim is effort that ends in success. A toy placed too far away, or left out of reach while the infant cries, teaches the infant to give up; a toy handed to them removes the reason to move.