Important Fine Motor Skills for Baby: The Pincer Grasp
Has baby learned to use the pincer grasp yet? It’s a simple movement, but a huge step forward for baby’s fine motor skills!
The pincer grasp is where baby brings thumb and index finger together to pinch and grasp. Before baby can use a pincer grasp, they try to grab with their whole hand. Baby will start to use the pincer grasp around 9 months, but this can happen as late as 12 months!
The pincer grasp helps with:
Feeding self (with fingers and utensils)
Buttons, zips, and snaps
Grabbing small objects
Writing and coloring
If baby is not doing the pincer grasp by 1 year old, talk to a healthcare provider to see if they have any tips to help baby get the hang of it.
