Bangs two things together

What is this milestone?

Bilateral coordination

Your baby deliberately brings two objects together in the midline of their body to make a satisfying banging sound.

Why it matters

Banging objects together requires excellent bilateral coordination—the ability to use both hands simultaneously in a controlled manner. It also shows a developing understanding of cause and effect (action produces noise).

What to expect leading up to it

They usually start by banging one object against a surface, like a toy on a table. Once they realize the joy of noise-making, they will figure out how to smash two items together, often with great enthusiasm.

How to encourage and support it

Provide safe items for banging, like two small wooden blocks, plastic cups, or pot lids. While it can be noisy, celebrate their musical 'performances' and introduce different materials to show how they make different sounds.

When to talk to your doctor

There is no firm cut-off here. Mention it if by around 12 months your baby is not exploring objects much at all -- not banging, shaking, dropping, or mouthing them -- or if they seem uninterested in what happens when they act on something. And at any age, if your baby loses a skill they already had, tell your pediatrician that week.