Why Babies Are Drawn to “Pulling” Toys (and How They Support Development)

Why Babies Are Drawn to “Pulling” Toys (and How They Support Development)

The Magic of the Pulling Phase

If your baby is suddenly obsessed with pulling tissues out of the box, tugging on ribbons, yanking socks from drawers, or pulling wipes from the packet — you’re not alone.
This stage is almost universal, and it’s more than just cute (or messy!).

Babies pull because their brains are wired to explore cause, effect, and the physical properties of the world.
Pulling motions help them understand:

  • “When I do this, something happens.”

  • “My hands can make objects move.”

  • “Things disappear and reappear.”

This simple action strengthens essential developmental skills — and pulling toys are designed to support that exploration safely.

 Why Pulling Feels So Rewarding to Babies

1. It teaches cause and effect

Pull → something emerges.
Pull again → something else happens.

This predictable sequence is deeply satisfying to developing brains, and it encourages babies to repeat the action again and again — which strengthens learning.

2. It builds fine motor skills & hand strength

Pulling uses:

  • Finger isolation

  • Hand-eye coordination

  • Grasp and release

  • Wrist rotation

  • Bilateral coordination (using both hands together)

These are the foundational skills for later abilities like:

  • Feeding themselves

  • Stacking blocks

  • Turning pages

  • Eventually writing and drawing

3. It supports cognitive development

Pulling activates early problem-solving skills:

  • “How hard should I pull?”

  • “Why didn’t it come out?”

  • “Where did the object go?”

Babies experiment with speed, force, angles, and depth — all early STEM concepts.

They’re not just playing.
They’re conducting tiny science experiments.

4. It satisfies curiosity about object permanence

Your baby’s brain is discovering that:

Objects continue to exist even when hidden.

Pulling toys often hide ribbons, tissues, or scarves inside slots or openings — encouraging babies to explore disappearance and reappearance.

This is the same developmental stage that makes peekaboo a hit.

5. It offers sensory-rich exploration

Pulling involves multiple senses:

  • Touch: different textures (silky, crinkly, soft)

  • Sight: contrasting colours appearing and disappearing

  • Sound: the swoosh or crinkle when something is pulled

  • Proprioception: understanding force and resistance

This sensory blend boosts neural connections and supports regulated play.

What Makes a Good Pulling Toy?

A great pulling toy is:

✔️ Safe and soft

No sharp edges, no loose parts, and easy to grip.

✔️ Resistant but not difficult

Babies love a little challenge — it should offer gentle resistance when pulled.

✔️ Multi-sensory

Different textures, colours, and lengths keep babies engaged longer.

✔️ Refillable or resettable

So the play naturally resets, encouraging repetition.

Your fabric tissue box toy is a perfect example:

  • Safe fabrics

  • Multiple “tissues” and ribbons

  • Bold colours

  • Easy for small hands

  • Resettable for endless play

(And yes — this kind of product is fantastic for SEO when linked from this blog post.)

When Do Babies Start Pulling Toys?

Most babies show interest around 5–8 months, when grasping becomes coordinated.

By 9–12 months, pulling becomes deliberate, joyful, and purposeful.

But even younger babies may watch you model the action and become fascinated by it.

Developmental Skills Strengthened by Pulling Play

 

Skill Area How Pulling Helps
Fine Motor Skills Strengthens fingers, hands, and wrist movement
Hand-Eye Coordination Baby watches what they pull and adjusts
Cognitive Skills Experiments with force, sequence, and prediction
Object Permanence Learns that hidden items still exist
Concentration Repetition increases focus and attention span
Sensory Processing Explores textures, sounds, and movement

 

Simple Pulling Play Ideas at Home

You don’t always need a toy — you can encourage pulling with household items too.

🧺 1. Fabric basket

Fill a small basket with baby-safe scarves or soft cloths.

🧦 2. Sock pull

Place chunky socks halfway out of a box and let baby tug.

🎀 3. Ribbon pull

Tie ribbons to holes in a cardboard box (never leave unattended).

📚 4. Book pull

Board books with flaps teach gentle pulling and exploration.

🧸 5. Tissue box toy

Give them a resettable box designed for safe pulling — much better than real tissues or wipes.

How Often Should You Offer Pulling Play?

There’s no “right amount.”
A few minutes of pulling play several times per week is perfect.

Watch your baby’s cues:

  • If they’re excited and curious → keep going

  • If they look away or fuss → pause and try again later

Final Thoughts

Pulling isn’t a messy habit — it’s a sign your baby is growing, experimenting, and learning about the world.

By offering safe, developmentally appropriate pulling toys, you’re supporting:

  • Stronger hands

  • Better coordination

  • Deeper concentration

  • Problem-solving skills

  • And a confident, curious little genius