When Do Babies Learn to Stack Rings?
Stacking rings, or stacking toys, are a great way to keep babies and toddlers entertained while also developing their motor skills. But at what age can babies start stacking rings?
Milestones of Motor Development
Stacking rings require some fine motor control in order to stack the rings without them falling down. Some of the milestones in motor development that babies reach include the ability to:
-
- Grasp items: Babies typically develop the ability to grasp items using their hands and fingers by the 4-5 months.
-
- Manipulate items: Babies typically develop the ability to manipulate items with their hands, such as pushing and holding items, by the 6-8 month range.
-
- Release items: Babies typically develop the ability to release items from their grasp by the 8-9 month range.
When to Introduce Stacking Rings
Given these milestones, babies can typically start using stacking rings somewhere between the 8-9 month range. Keep in mind, however, that every baby is different and these ages are just general guidelines. If your baby seems ready to start stacking rings earlier, feel free to introduce them!
Tips for Encouraging Ring Stacking
There are a few tips to keep in mind when introducing and encouraging ring stacking.
-
- Let your baby explore: You don’t necessarily need to show your baby how to stack the rings right away. Let them explore the rings and figure out how to stack them on their own.
-
- Show them the right way: If your baby is having difficulty stacking the rings, you can show them how to do it correctly to make it easier for them. Just make sure you don’t do it for them.
-
- Encourage them to keep trying: Don’t give up if your baby is having difficulty at first. Let them keep trying, and provide them with positive reinforcement when they succeed.
Stacking rings are a great way to keep babies and toddlers entertained, and by the 8-9 month mark, they should typically be able to give it a go. Just keep in mind to let them explore, provide some guidance if needed, and be encouraging if they don’t succeed right away.