Batting at toys

[theotherhand]

My 18 week DS is very active when on his play mat. He kicks a lot at the toys above with his little legs and feet and concentrates on them - but he hits out at them/bats them less. Sometimes he catches them in his hand, and sometimes he swipes at them but he seems more interested in sticking his thumb in his mouth! Should I be worried?

I don't see anything in your post that you should be worried about

Are you concerned that DS isn't holding things?

I picked this up whilst shopping to keep DS3 entertained and it has been one of the 1st things he really gripped and he's still playing with it now. He usually has it when in Bumbo or the pram as he is more interested in kicking when lying down.

Buck: I am always worried

I just thought batting was part of developmental process and that he should be doing it...he does grab things when I hold them up. We have a similar twister Tommy T thing and if I hold it up he'll focus and grip it...but not for long. He's not really interested in holding it for too long. Is that because he's not quite got the pincer grip? How how is your DS3?

you've got nothing to worry about . He'll get there in his own time. It took ages until my ds could feed himself, so i know what it feels like.

you've got nothing to worry about . He'll get there in his own time. It took ages until my ds could feed himself, so i know what it feels like.

Is there anything I should/could do to help him?

Relax. That's the best thing you could do for him imo . He will grow up so quickly, just enjoy this time when he still needs you to help him with everything, and let him develop in his own good time.

Oh and I'm that you have a thumb sucker - always wanted my two to find something (other than my breast) that they liked sucking .

Our DS was into kicking things before he got into batting them, but a month or two later is now great with his hands.

Thanks Zayla, that's helpful. How old was your DS?

theotherhand, DS3 is exactly 5 months old today

As others have said, relax, your DS will do things when he is ready. DS3 currently spreads his arms wide and wants to grab hold, and shove in his mouth, anything that is in his vicinity. Please don't worry about pincer grip yet!!

Have you been reading any development books??

Buck...yes, probably have been reading too many books...

Hide them then!

When I had DS1, fourteen years ago(!) I was the same with the books so I do understand where you are coming from.

With DS1 I was always looking for him to 'do the next thing'. I'm on DC4 now and TBH I wish he would just slow down.

I should hide the books, Buck, you're right...

Mine is 20 weeks and at 18-19 weeks had a massive thumb sucking phase- it's basically all she did! Now it seems t have calmed down and she picks up everything. Don't worry!