You can count on me. Babies like to tug on zippers and pull at buttons, so use this natural interest to encourage counting skills. While you're buttoning your kid up in his coat or sweater, count the buttons out loud—one button, two buttons, three buttons. When he's sitting on your lap, let him undo some buttons on your sweater and count them while he does. This can work with anything clothing object in a series, such as snaps or hooks, so long as his tiny hands stay safe from painful pinches.