We provide mobiles, rattles, and objects to grasp and manipulate in order to assist young children in gaining control of their arms and hands. Infants are just beginning to discover cause and effect, and enjoy experimenting in ways such as shaking a rattle or banging on things to make a noise.  Around 9-12 months, the pincer grasp develops. In order to strengthen this movement, we feed the children very small bits of food or cracker in which they can pick up and bring to their mouths independently. Children are given a small sturdy glass or cup to drink from around the time they are weaned from breast or bottle. We do not use non-spillable or “sippy” toddler cups. Additionally, we begin to introduce them to the use of a small pitcher so that they learn to pour their own drinks. When spoon feeding a child of 5 to 9 months of age, we always allow the child to hold one spoon and the adult another, so that they can attempts to feed themselves.