Games Babies Play

Get What You Want: Using a Tool Game

Purpose of game: Encourage your baby to use objects as tools for getting what he wants

How to play: Put your baby in a sitting position on the floor. You can sit beside or in front of him. Place a small blanket within his reach.

Put a favorite toy on the blanket, but place it out of reach. If your baby does not pull the blanket to get the toy, push the blanket toward him until he can reach the toy. Use action words to describe what he is doing, such as “See, you got the ball by pulling the blanket.” You can use towels, potholders, or pillows instead of a blanket.