Section Menu

Grasping & Hand Skills

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.

Download as PDF

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: 21/4/2026 13:55:52

Rehabilitation Services

The best rehab choice for the children in your care. The Rehabilitation Services at Nicklaus Children's Hospital serve the therapeutic needs of infants, children and adolescents.

Learn More
Check Your Symptoms
Use the symptom checker tool to check how serious your symptoms are, if a healthcare visit is needed, and what steps you can take to relieve your symptoms at home.

Learn more about

Occupational Therapy (OT) Evaluation and Treatment Occupational therapy is a form of therapy that helps people rehabilitate through exercises and other means in order to perform their ordinary, daily tasks or work-related functions.