Choose your toy
0–6 monthsFamily ConnectionMaterials: Two safe toys or household objects (such as a rattle, soft cloth, or teething ring)
Hold two different toys or objects within your child's view and let them reach for the one that interests them. This simple choice-making activity can happen during play time on the floor or while your child is in their seat. Watch their gaze and body movements to see which item draws their attention, then bring that object closer so they can grasp it.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Hold two different toys or objects within your child's view and let them reach for the one that interests them. This simple choice-making activity can happen during play time on the floor or while your child is in their seat. Watch their gaze and body movements to see which item draws their attention, then bring that object closer so they can grasp it.
Why It Works
Offering choices builds the foundation of agency and autonomy from infancy. When you respect your child's preferences, you support their emerging sense of independence. Research shows that supportive autonomy development leads to better emotional regulation and decision-making capabilities, and children learning appropriate independence maintain stronger family bonds while developing self-efficacy (Soenens & Vansteenkiste, 2010).
Tips for Parents
Pay attention to where your child looks and how their body moves toward one option. This helps you recognize their preferences.
If your child does not reach yet, notice which toy they look at longer and offer that one. You are still honoring their preference.
Use everyday objects like a soft cloth and a rattle. Variety helps your child practice making choices.
Materials Needed
Two safe toys or household objects (such as a rattle, soft cloth, or teething ring)
Learning Methods
Movement-Based LearningSensory Exploration
Loved this activity? Let us do the planning for you.
Imprint personalizes every activity to your child — their interests, their stage, the traits they're building — so playtime is more fun and every moment counts.
Science-backed. Private by design. No spam.