03 Nov 😳 Have you noticed that your baby fists their hands all the time with their thumbs inside their palms 🥺Are you concerned that baby is not reaching for toys with their hands or is using one hand more than the other

During the first few months of life, 👶🏻babies are begin to develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Babies typically start to reach for toys with their hands between 3 to 6 months of age. 🤚Around 3 months of age, most babies begin to show an increased interest in objects and may start batting at toys or objects with their hands. By 4-6 months, many infants will develop the ability to intentionally reach for and grasp objects, such as toys.

A hand preference usually starts to develop between the ages of 2 to 4, 👧however it is common at this stage for children to swap hands. Between the ages of 4 to 6 years a clear hand preference is usually established. Babies should not be showing a clear hand preference below the age of 2 years old.

✊Fisting of the hands in babies, particularly in newborns, is a normal and common reflex that is typically not a cause for concern. This reflex is often referred to as the palmar grasp reflex. When you place a finger or an object in a baby’s palm, they will instinctively close their fingers around it. The palmar grasp reflex usually disappears between 3 to 4 months old.

If your baby consistently keeps their hands in a fist grasp beyond 4 months old, it may be a cause for concern. 🥴Some possible reasons for persistent fist clenching in babies may include:
1. Muscle or motor development issues such as Cerebral Palsy or developmental delay.

2. Sensory Issues such as Sensory Processing Disorders.

3. Neurological concerns such as Erbs Palsy.

4. Pain or discomfort due to reflux or colic or physical discomfort.

If you are concerned about your baby’s hand function, it is important to see a Paediatrician or an Expert Paediatric Physiotherapist.🤓 To speak to one of our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists today, ring My Favourite Physio on 📱(02) 9790 4233 or DM us @myfavouritephysio.

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