Hands & independence

Crinkle and post

Press and post one adult-held purpose-made crinkle toy through a wide toddler posting toy.

8 minutes

What you'll need

Purpose-made infant crinkle toy held by the adult · Purpose-made posting toy labelled suitable for children under 3

Before you start

Can grasp and release a large object

Best fit: indoors · calm energy · low caregiver effort · low mess

How to play

  1. Inspect every seam and hold the crinkle toy.
  2. Help press the adult-held toy partly through the widest opening.
  3. Retrieve it together, then remove and store both toys.
Make it easier

Make one gentle crinkle while your child watches or pats the adult-held toy.

Standard

Press and post one adult-held purpose-made crinkle toy through a wide toddler posting toy.

Extend it

Compare one gentle crinkle with one quiet tap without adding loose pieces.

What you might notice

Hand strength, release and repeated action planning.

Keep it safe

Use no paper, tissue, cardboard or loose pieces. The adult holds the intact crinkle toy, stays within arm's reach, stops mouthing or if a seam or film loosens, and stores both purpose-made toys.

Why it may be useful

This everyday task offers practice with hand control, two-handed coordination and growing independence.

practice guidance

Provides practice opportunities; it is not a therapy or assessment of motor development.

Raising Children Network (2025) — Toddler play: ideas, games and activities

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