These beautifully handcrafted set of blocks make a great first puzzle for your little one. The pincer and palmer grasps are important milestones in the development of fine motor skills. The puzzle, inspired by the Montessori knobbed and knobless cylinders, helps your baby develop the varying grasp patterns.

Recommended age period

The Palmar Grasp Block is introduced to the child as early as 7 months or when the child is cognitively ready and/or able to sit independently. The pincer block should be offered at around 9 months, when you begin to notice the child working hard to grasp objects with the thumb and forefinger.

How to introduce the activity to my child?

To introduce this material, simply remove the cylinder from the block and place it on the tray and then place the cylinder back in the block. Make sure your movements are done in a very calm manner and in slow motion and without explaining vocally. Follow the same when introducing the pincer block as well. Give your child the space to explore and exercise as many times he/she wants but make sure to stay close and observe their actions.

What will my child learn?

The Palmar Grasp Block is introduced to the child as early as 7 months. This material aids the child in developing the palmar grasp (the whole hand grasp). The child uses the palmar grasp to grab onto the cylinder and pull it out of the block, and then attempts to place it back into the hole. The repetition of this activity helps build concentration and fine motor skills.

The Pincer Grasp develops after the child is purposefully using the palmar grasp. It is an important fine-motor milestone. The pincer block should be offered at around 9 months, when you begin to notice the child working hard to grasp objects with the thumb and forefinger. Children love to practice this grasp, and this material is perfect for helping them perfect it. The repetition of this activity lays the foundation for a good pencil grip later on.

What is included?

1 palmar grasp cylinder in a cube and a 1 pincer grasp cylinder in a cube.

What is it made of?  

The puzzle set is made of the highest quality natural beech wood. It is sturdy, durable, safe for your child and the environment. This toy is sealed with organic oil blends, making it completely child safe.

Care instructions

Wooden toys are beautiful and durable. Toys made of natural materials bring your little one a little closer to the nature by nourishing the child’s senses.

Wood has natural anti-bacterial properties, so keeping them clean is simple and you can even get your kids involved in the process. Here are some tips that can come handy while taking care of the wooden toys –

1. Wooden toys can be wiped with a dry cloth for daily maintenance and cleaning.
2. No Soaking. Never submerge wooden toys in the water; to clean or otherwise. The wood can soak up the water which can gradually lead to cracks.
3. Instead, a slightly damp cloth or sponge can be used to remove dirt or dust and then the toy should be air dried.
4. While drying the toys, do not leave them in a direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the colors to fade and long exposure to the sunlight and air might damage the wood.
5. Every once in a while, you may want to moisturize wooden toys when it starts to look dry or dull. Coconut oil or olive oil can be applied sparingly with a washcloth. Then let it dry.

Note

• During its lifetime, a tree is subjected to many natural forces that cause variations in wood grain, color, knots, splits, and stains. These variations are not defects. They enhance the beauty of the wood and add to the characteristic of the handcrafted toys making each toy unique.
• As with any baby toy or accessory, please use only under adult supervision.
• Always inspect for damage prior to use.