Hands & independence

Zipper together

Share the two jobs of holding and pulling a large sturdy zip.

8 minutes

What you'll need

Adult-held jacket with a large sturdy zip and no hood cords or loose decoration

Before you start

Can grasp and release a large object

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

How to play

  1. Hold the base steady.
  2. Offer the large zip pull.
  3. Swap jobs and narrate up and down.
Make it easier

Start with the zip already partly open.

Standard

Share the two jobs of holding and pulling a large sturdy zip.

Extend it

Let your child choose up or down while the adult continues to hold the base and guide the pull.

What you might notice

Two-hand coordination and persistence with resistance.

Keep it safe

Lay an adult-held jacket flat; never use a bag, strap, hood cord or worn zip. Check the pull, teeth and stops, keep fingers clear, stop mouthing, pinching or damage, and store the jacket afterward.

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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