The pincer grasp, using the tips of the forefinger and thumb to pick up small objects, is a crucial fine motor skill that your baby will use throughout their life. Developing this grasp is essential for tasks like tying shoelaces, writing, and buttoning clothes. One of the best ways to help your baby practice is through peeling activities. Here are our top five ideas to get started.
Peeling Activity Ideas:
- Tape Peeling:
- Stick strips of tape on your baby’s high chair tray, the wall, or the window. Encourage them to peel the tape off. You can also place small toys in a muffin tin and cover them with tape for your baby to peel away.
- Crayon Wrappers:
- Let your baby peel the wrappers off old or broken crayons. This activity is a great way to strengthen their pincer grasp while also preparing the crayons for future use in art projects.
- Velcro on Shoes:
- If your baby has Velcro shoes, give them the shoe to open and close. This activity is a precursor to learning how to fasten shoes independently.
- Unwrapping Toys:
- Wrap small toys in tinfoil or paper and let your baby unwrap them. The excitement of discovering what’s inside will motivate them to practice peeling.
- Peeling Fruit:
- Start a small peel on a banana or a clementine and let your baby do the rest. The reward of getting to the tasty fruit inside is a great motivator!
