You can generally start giving your baby crayons around 12 months old.
Developmental Milestones and Crayon Introduction
Around the age of 12 months, your baby may begin to exhibit the motor skills needed to hold a crayon. This typically involves using their whole hand or fist to grip the crayon. You might also notice them switching hands or even attempting to hold a crayon in each hand simultaneously while trying to color.
| Milestone | Description |
|---|---|
| Grasping | Baby holds crayon with fist or whole hand. |
| Hand Switching | Baby may switch the crayon from one hand to the other. |
| Bilateral Coordination | Baby might attempt to hold crayons in both hands. |
Potential Safety Concerns
Despite these developmental milestones, it's crucial to understand that babies at this age are highly likely to put things in their mouths. Therefore, many caregivers choose to postpone introducing crayons to their babies to avoid the risk of them ingesting pieces of crayons.
Tips for Introducing Crayons Safely
If you decide to introduce crayons around 12 months, consider these points for a safe experience:
- Choose non-toxic and large crayons designed for toddlers.
- Supervise your baby closely during their coloring sessions.
- Keep the coloring sessions short.
- Remove crayons as soon as the child loses interest or starts to put them in their mouth.
