Complete Guide on Your Baby’s Hands

By Anisha Nair - Updated: December 13, 2018

Pinching, holding, grasping, writing, reading books, tying shoe laces, playing a sport, cooking… what do all these have in common? Hands! Your hands are such an important part of your body and now that you have a baby, you need your hands all the more! In fact, you could do with some extra hands at this point. Since hands are so crucial to every activity in a person’s life, you may be wondering if your baby’s hands are developing normally. Let’s have a look at another natural wonder as you take note of each beautiful stage in the way your little one’s hands develop!

Your baby’s hands are so cute, aren’t they? Remember the first time you saw them under the scanner? That joy! After birth and much before that your baby’s hands will be clutched together with the thumb rolled between the other fingers. This hand being clutched is a newborns natural position. Unfurling of fingers is considered an important milestone for a baby. Your baby’s hand will develop gradually and you’ll be amazed at how he will keep developing as days go by. The complete step by step guide is summarized below.

First Things First

Your newborn little one will keep the palm closed for almost 90% of the time. You may try opening the fingers and let him hold your finger. The grip will be mighty tight,mind you! This goes on until 6 weeks for most babies.

3-4 Months

At this age, your baby has already opened up his palm and can grasp tiny objects. A rattle will keep the little one busy as your baby is excited to learn that his hand is attached to his body. You need to keep a watch on the little one as everything that goes into the hands will eventually end up in the mouth. The hands will have gained strength by now and your baby uses it to turn over or push himself up on the back.

6-9 Months

The grip has become much stronger now in your baby’s hands. The little one can hold the rattle in one and look for another with the free hand. Self-dependency will be at new heights at this stage. This is because, your baby will be able to hold a glass of water and drink it comfortably.

From then on

At around 10 months, your little one will be fully mature with his hand movements and will be able to balance all his body weight with ease. A particular milestone that should appear now is “pincer grip”. This grip will help your little one pick up small things like cut fruits, raisins and cereals around. At this stage, you can also introduce games like building blocks, stacking toys etc. These games will master the grip of pincer and help your little one learn a better control over his hands.

There is time for everything and your precious one will pick that up at his own pace. Do not fret over anything and get your baby upset. A regular check with your family doctor will prove beneficial if you are worried about delayed milestones!

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