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Proper hand grasps start earlier than many think! It is very important that babies begin to learn how their fingers, thumb, and palm work together as early as 4-6 months. Initially babies who are 1–3 months are unable to coordinate their fingers to functionally use their hands and it may appear that they do not “recognize” their hands as a part of their body. However, at 4 months the palmar reflex should be integrated which allows for babies to start to initiate hand movements. Babies use their hands during play and function, allowing for improved strength, coordination, and exploration of their environment. These hand developmental skills translate to their abilities to use a feeding utensil, complete fasteners, and writing grasp. See below for the list of grasps and ways to improve the hand grasp.  

Palmar grasp: 4-6 months  

  • The child holds toys and objects with their whole hand 

Raking grasp: 6-9 months 

  • The child will use their fingers to pull objects into their palm in order to pick the objects up off of surfaces   

Immature pincer grasp: 9-12 

  • The child will use their index finger and thumb to pick up and hold small objects  

Mature pincer grasp: 12 months 

  • The child will use their index finger and thumb tip pads to pick up small objects

Activities to improve the mature pincer grasp: 

  • Place small cheerios in ice cube tray  
  • Playing with blocks  
  • Eating with finger foods 

Barrel grasp: 12-18 months 

  • The child will wrap all their fingers and thumb around the writing utensil

Pronated grasp: 2-3 years 

  • The child will hold their writing utensil on the thumb side towards the paper and control it using full arm movements

Activities to improve the barrel and pronated grasp: 

  • Providing opportunities to use spoon/fork while eating 
  • Coloring or painting 
  • Playing with play doh with pinching, squeezing, and rolling 

Static tripod grasp: 4-5 years 

  • The child holds their pencil with their thumb, index, and middle fingers, and moves the pencil using their wrist and upper arm 

Activities to improve the static tripod grasp: 

  • Coloring with broken crayons 
  • Place small item under pinky/ring finger to improve separation of fingers 

Dynamic tripod grasp 5-6 years 

  • The child holds their pencil with their thumb, index, and middle fingers, and isolates the movement of the pencil with control from their fingers  

Activities to improve the dynamic tripod grasp: 

  • Drawing, coloring, and writing on an elevated surface  

Helping Kids Shine Brighter Every Day

Starfish Therapies provides pediatric physical, occupational, and speech therapy services designed to support every child's unique developmental journey. Whether in-person or through telehealth, our expert therapists work hand-in-hand with families to build skills, confidence, and independence in a fun, nurturing environment. Serving children of all ages in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

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