Babies typically develop the ability to put a ball in a hole, or drop toys into a container with control, around 9 to 10 months of age.
This milestone is part of a baby's developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It involves several cognitive and physical abilities coming together:
- Fine Motor Skills: The baby needs to be able to grasp and manipulate the ball.
- Hand-Eye Coordination: The baby needs to visually track the ball and coordinate their hand movements to guide it towards the hole.
- Understanding of Object Permanence: The baby is starting to understand that the ball still exists even when it's inside the hole.
- Spatial Awareness: The baby needs to understand the relationship between the size and shape of the ball and the size and shape of the hole.
Before this age, babies may attempt to put a ball in a hole, but their movements will be less controlled. They may swipe at the ball or miss the hole entirely. After 9-10 months, their accuracy and control will improve steadily.
Here's a breakdown of what to expect at different ages:
| Age | Expected Behavior |
|---|---|
| 6-8 Months | May grasp a ball and bring it towards the hole, but likely without much accuracy or control. Often mouths the ball instead. |
| 9-10 Months | Can drop the ball into a large container or hole with increasing accuracy. Shows deliberate intent. |
| 11-12 Months | Becomes more proficient at putting balls into holes of various sizes. Starts to understand more complex shapes and puzzles. |
Providing opportunities for your baby to practice these skills can help them develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Simple toys like shape sorters or a large container with various-sized balls can be beneficial.
