There are several ways to promote eye-hand coordination in babies and young children using toys:
- Stackable blocks: Stackable blocks are a great way to promote eye-hand coordination, as they require the child to use their hands to stack the blocks and their eyes to visually track and align the blocks.
- Puzzle toys: Puzzle toys, such as wooden puzzles or shape sorters, require the child to use their hands to manipulate the pieces and their eyes to visually match the pieces to the correct spots.
- Building toys: Building toys, such as Legos or Mega Blocks, require the child to use their hands to assemble the pieces and their eyes to visually track and align the pieces.
- Musical toys: Musical toys such as drums, xylophones, and maracas can also help to develop eye-hand coordination. Children will use their eyes to look at the instrument and their hands to hit, tap or shake the instrument.
- Soft toys: Soft toys can also be used to promote eye-hand coordination. Give your child a soft toy and encourage them to throw and catch it.
- Manipulative toys: Manipulative toys such as beads, buttons, laces, and gears can help your child develop eye-hand coordination. These toys require the child to use their eyes to track the movement of their hands as they manipulate the toy.
- Ball games: Ball games like throwing, catching or rolling can also help to develop eye-hand coordination. Children will use their eyes to track the movement of the ball and their hands to catch or throw it.
It's important to note that children develop at different rates and what may be challenging for one child, may be easy for another. So, it's best to offer a variety of toys and activities that will challenge and engage your child, while still being age-appropriate.