Twisting lids and knobs: how the skill grows from 18 to 36 months
Twisting lids and knobs means holding a container in one hand while turning its lid, a knob or a handle with the other. Twisting pairs a steady holding hand with a rotating wrist, the movement behind jars, doorknobs and taps.
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Twisting lids and knobs: the ladder, step by step
Pick the step that looks most like your child today. The next step and activities that practise it appear below.
No step picked yet. There is no wrong answer: pick the closest one.
Next step: Holds and pulls. Grips a tub in one hand and pulls a push-on lid off with the other.
Activities that fit this step
- Snack Tub Lid Twist · 20–34 months · 3–10 min
- Nature Jar Lid Twist · 22–32 months · 3–8 min
- Bubble Jar Twist and Blow · 22–36 months · 5–10 min
Next step: Gives a small twist. Turns a lid sitting loosely on top just enough to lift it away.
Activities that fit this step
- Snack Tub Lid Twist · 20–34 months · 3–10 min
- Nature Jar Lid Twist · 22–32 months · 3–8 min
- Bubble Jar Twist and Blow · 22–36 months · 5–10 min
Next step: Unscrews fully. Turns a screw lid several times, letting go and regripping, until it comes off.
Activities that fit this step
- Nature Jar Lid Twist · 22–32 months · 3–8 min
- Bubble Jar Twist and Blow · 22–36 months · 5–10 min
- Three Jars, Three Lids · 28–36 months · 5–10 min
Next step: Twists everywhere. Tries doorknobs, taps and bottle caps unprompted, and screws lids back on.
Activities that fit this step
- Nature Jar Lid Twist · 22–32 months · 3–8 min
- Bubble Jar Twist and Blow · 22–36 months · 5–10 min
- Three Jars, Three Lids · 28–36 months · 5–10 min
Top of the ladder (twists everywhere). Keep it flexible: offer it in a new place, with a different person or with new materials.
Activities that fit this step
- Nature Jar Lid Twist · 22–32 months · 3–8 min
- Bubble Jar Twist and Blow · 22–36 months · 5–10 min
- Three Jars, Three Lids · 28–36 months · 5–10 min
The twisting lids and knobs ladder
5 steps from the first sign to a flexible skill, covered here from 18 to 36 months. Children move at their own pace: use the steps to see what comes next, not as deadlines.
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Tugs and bangs
Pulls at a loosely closed lid or bangs the container, hoping it pops open.
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Holds and pulls
Grips a tub in one hand and pulls a push-on lid off with the other.
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Gives a small twist
Turns a lid sitting loosely on top just enough to lift it away.
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Unscrews fully
Turns a screw lid several times, letting go and regripping, until it comes off.
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Twists everywhere
Tries doorknobs, taps and bottle caps unprompted, and screws lids back on.
When twisting lids and knobs usually shows up
Holding something in one hand while using the other, such as gripping a container and pulling off its lid, is a CDC 24-month milestone. Twisting things with the hands, like turning a doorknob or unscrewing a lid, is on CDC's 30-month checklist.
This page follows twisting lids and knobs from 18 to 36 months, a window that spans the 18-month, 24-month, 30-month and 36-month CDC checklists.
In the library, 4 activities practise twisting lids and knobs (4 as their main skill), for ages 20 to 36 months. 2 of them need no prep and take 10 minutes or less. By age, they sit closest to steps 3 and 4 of the 5-step ladder, most (3) on “Gives a small twist”.
Related items appear on the CDC checklists for 24 months and 30 months.
Related milestones
CDC checklist items (paraphrased) that involve twisting lids and knobs. Checklists are for monitoring, not a test.
| Checklist | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 24 months | Holds an object steady in one hand while working with the other, like gripping a container and pulling off its lid. |
| 30 months | Twists things with their hands, such as turning a doorknob or unscrewing a lid. |
Activities that practise twisting lids and knobs
Placed on the closest ladder step by age. By primary domain: 4 fine motor. Quickest to start: Nature Jar Lid Twist (3–8 minutes).
Step 3: Gives a small twist
Step 4: Unscrews fully
Skills practised alongside
The activities for twisting lids and knobs most often also work on finger feeding (1), matching (1), pointing to ask (1), problem solving (1) and size words (1). Pairing them keeps practice playful: one activity, several skills.
Practise it inside everyday routines
- Close snack tubs loosely so your child can open their own at a seated snack.
- Put a favorite toy in a clear plastic jar so the prize is visible through the side.
- Say "turn, turn" and rest your hand over theirs only after they have tried alone.
- Practise closing as well; screwing a lid back on turns the other way and is a new challenge.
What to avoid
- Glass jars, and anything that holds medicine, cleaning products or button batteries; once a child can twist, those caps are no longer a barrier.
When to mention it to the pediatrician
If by 2 your child does not hold an object in one hand while working it with the other, or by about 30 months cannot turn things like a loose lid or doorknob at all, mention it at the next checkup.
Worried about twisting lids and knobs between visits? Call the pediatrician; CDC's free resources also explain how to contact your local Early Intervention program directly. Milestones are for monitoring, not diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
When do toddlers start twisting lids and knobs?
Holding something in one hand while using the other, such as gripping a container and pulling off its lid, is a CDC 24-month milestone. Twisting things with the hands, like turning a doorknob or unscrewing a lid, is on CDC's 30-month checklist. The first step to look for: pulls at a loosely closed lid or bangs the container, hoping it pops open.
How can I help my toddler with twisting lids and knobs?
Close snack tubs loosely so your child can open their own at a seated snack. Put a favorite toy in a clear plastic jar so the prize is visible through the side. A good first activity is Snack Tub Lid Twist (20–34 months).
What should I avoid when practising twisting lids and knobs?
Glass jars, and anything that holds medicine, cleaning products or button batteries; once a child can twist, those caps are no longer a barrier.
When should I mention twisting lids and knobs to the pediatrician?
If by 2 your child does not hold an object in one hand while working it with the other, or by about 30 months cannot turn things like a loose lid or doorknob at all, mention it at the next checkup. You can also contact Early Intervention yourself.
Related
Monitoring, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about any concern. Our sources and method.