Hands meet in the middle

Around this age arms may begin to wave around more when a baby is excited, and increasingly their own hands catch their attention — a lot of time may go into trying to move them where they can be seen. After many tries, a hand may reach the mouth as well. Putting them together for a moment is your way of joining in.

🛡️ Bring the hands together, never hold them there — the moment you feel any pull against you, let go. Their arms set the range: if an elbow or shoulder does not come easily, that is as far as it goes today. Cup the hands rather than gripping them, and never use their hold on your fingers to lift them — that grip is still a reflex they cannot release.