Can a 3-month old actually play with a stuffed toy??

[lauri]

Just wondering because I do read about this in some posts, when describing the A-time, and I am thinking that no way my babe can play, let alone touch an object close to her (unless flying arms and kicking legs accidentaly hit it) - also, every toy I see in shops say "from birth" including the gimini I enthusiastically bought when she was 2 weeks old, only to have a hysterical baby on my hands and it was banished back to the box until a few weeks ago when she no longer screamed when placed on the mat. So when people refer to their LO playing with a stuffed toy, they really mean staring at or trying really hard to touch it ??- which is what mine tries. At the moment she liked anything with a face, she'll smile and eat her fists in glee...

I know I shouldnt obsess and compare  , but off course, being a new mom, this will be one of the questions I ask my ped next time (LOL).."yes, one more question on my list, dr, but is it normal my that baby bla bla bla"

Just wanted to share this!

Laura

[Samuel's mum]

Grasping for objects usually happens around the 3-4 month mark so your dd is not 'behind'. I think by around 4 months most babies can have a pretty good go at reaching out and grasping for an object. She'll probably start beginning to reach out at some point soon but not actually manage to 'grasp' it but just swipe at it.

When a toy says 'from birth' I think it's just means, "Granny - this a safe gift to buy but let's be honest it's going to sit on a shelf/in the corner of a cot for a while". It's more about safety (e.g. non-fluffy pile won't be a choking hazard) rather than 'will keep them occupied for hours'.

She can play with soft toys in the sense you can hold them against her skin, talk about them, begin to hold them out for her.

A 'gym' mat starts to become useful about now. Get down on the floor with her at the beginning perhaps and maybe unclip some of the toys so it's not too overwhelming. She'll soon start to swipe at them. It's good to encourage her to try and bat at stuff and gradually she'll become more accurate.

[skatty]

Hi Laura, I remember thinking exactly the same thing!!! My DD hated any toys, floor gym, mobiles until she was about 3 months and all she would do was hit at them for a while but their hand/eye coordination developes very quickly. My DD was a bit slower at swiping than other babies her age but soon caught up and is now exeptional with her hands and developed a very precise pincergrip at 8 months.

I also realised that having soft toys dangling over her while on her back infuriated her, she much preferred just one toy hanging in front of her 

[¤ Efka ¤]

At this age my DS was able to hold a raddle for a little when it was put on his hand

[lauri]

yes, I tried the rattle as well - she kept hitting herself in the head!!!  Her favorite activit though is looking at herself in the mirror, she's amazed by this other person there and keeps smiling, fascinating to watch I have to say!

[¤ Efka ¤]

Mirror is best toy ever