• Babies can get dispirited if they are not able to grab objects that they want. Sometimes you can dangle a toy on a string in front of your baby, wait until he has reached out for it, slowly lower it towards his outstretched hand, so that he can grasp it easily. Success will encourage him.

• Fix up a toy that your baby can swipe at as on a baby gym – preferable one that makes a noise if he is successful at grabbing something.

• Place your baby on his tummy and encourage him to push up so that his arms are straight by holding a toy at eye level in front of him.