Grasping and Hand Skills in Babies

What to expect?

Each child develops their grasping skills differently and at his/her own rate. This chart will serve as a guide of milestones. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your child’s occupational therapist.

AGE

GRASPING/HAND SKILLS

0-3 MONTHS

  • Reflexive palmar grasp – child will close fingers around family member’s fingers
  • Opens and shuts hands easily
  • Brings hands to mouth

4-6 MONTHS

  • Palmar grasp
  • Raking grasp
  • Uses hands to support self while sitting
  • Reaches for nearby toys on tummy
  • Reaches both hands to play with feet
  • Transfers a toy from one hand to the other
  • Plays with different textured toys
  • Holds a rattle for 30 seconds

7-9 MONTHS

  • Radial palmar grasp – grasps toy with thumb and first and second fingers
  • Reaches for toys while sitting, without falling
  • Raises hands towards adults to be picked up
  • Uses both hands equally

10-12 MONTHS

  • Pincer grasp – thumb and finger grasp
  • Pulls to stand
  • Claps hands
  • Releases objects into a bucket
  • Uses hands to communicate
  • Finger feeds self

12 MONTHS

  • Palmar supinate grasp

MAKE IT FUN! If you have questions or concerns please reach out to your child’s occupational therapist.


This page was last updated on: November 10, 2020 12:28 PM

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