Kick the jingly toy

0–1 years · Motor · 5 minutes

What you need

How to do it

Lay your baby on their back on a blanket and hold a noisy toy just where their feet naturally land.

Wait. Any kick that touches it makes a sound — react to that sound with delight so the connection lands.

Move the toy slightly so they have to reach a little differently each time. Three or four minutes is plenty.

Why it works

Legs develop strength and control later than arms and get far less deliberate practice. A sound that only happens when the foot connects gives immediate feedback, which turns random kicking into aimed, repeated movement.