At what age should the nurse expect a child to be able to manipulate objects using the thumb finger grasp?
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Time for your baby to master yet another new feat: the pincer grasp. Here's how to encourage this important object-grabbing skill. Back to Top Your baby might be mastering big moves as she crawls and maybe even pulls herself up to stand, and honestly, those are the milestones that grab the most attention (and camera time). But while what your baby is doing with her hands and fingers right now might not be as flashy, it still deserves equal billing. So get ready to be wowed by the pincer grasp. What is the pincer grasp?Although it sounds like something a lobster might do with its claws, the pincer grasp simply means the ability to grab a small object with the thumb and index finger. And this growing dexterity sets the stage for all sorts of skills. In a few months, your little one will be using this pincer maneuver to feed herself — first without utensils, then with them. Mastering the pincer move means your soon-to-be toddler will learn to button, zip and snap her clothes. And eventually, she'll be able to color with a crayon. Who knew two fingers could do so much! What age does the pincer grasp develop?Between 9 and 12 months old, your baby will begin using the actual pincer grasp. She’ll practice using her fingers to pick up everything from Cheerios to your pet’s kibble and the dust bunnies on the floor — and, if you’re not careful, put everything she grasps in her mouth. She’ll continue to work on this skill during toddlerhood and beyond. If you don’t catch your baby doing this pincer grasp maneuver at exactly 9 or 10 months, no worries. She may be busy perfecting other skills, like waving bye-bye or hoisting herself up on her two feet. Babies develop at their own pace, and sooner or later, she’ll be finessing her pick-up skills. As always, if you have any concerns, check in with your pediatrician for reassurance. Continue Reading Below Read This NextThe types of graspsLong before she’s able to coordinate her thumb and index finger, your little one is setting the stage for perfecting the pincer grasp. From 6 to 12 months, your baby's technique for picking up smaller and smaller objects will get more sophisticated as it goes through various types of grasping maneuvers.
Pincer grasp activitiesYou’ll want to give your baby lots of opportunities to let her fingers do the exploring. Luckily, you don’t have to rush out and buy a bunch of pincer grasp toys — you already have the things she needs to practice this skill. All you need for pincer grasp activities are things she’ll enjoy touching, investigating and maneuvering, such as:
Of course, this budding curiosity, along with her newfound mobility, means you need to be extra careful about keeping dangerous objects and choking hazards — like coins, buttons or small toys — well out of reach. But this is a fun stage, so enjoy it. And know that this is one of many milestones you have to look forward to! From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
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