Hand Control During Infancy and Toddlerhood

Infant hand movements start as gross, broad motions and gradually develop into fine, precise movements.

Newborns show a strong palmar grasp reflex. When their palms are stroked, they instinctively close their hands tightly.

During the first two months, infants typically keep their hands fisted.

By 3 months, they start batting at nearby objects and can hold medium-sized items like rattles.

At around 4 months, infants usually keep their hands open and can hold and shake a rattle intentionally.

Around 6 months, infants can grasp objects with one hand and transfer them to the other. They often use a raking motion to pick up small items.

Between 7 and 11 months, infants begin developing a pincer grasp, as the thumb and index finger increasingly work together to pick up small objects. At this age, children may also start throwing objects.

By 15 months, most toddlers can build a tower of three to four cubes.

Shortly after age 2, they can string large beads, unscrew lids, and turn book pages, though not skillfully yet.

Finally, by age 3, most toddlers can copy a circle and use scissors fairly well.