The Teeny Tiny Motor Movements

Tying shoes, turning pages, using a fork, picking up toys, throwing a ball. These are all the tiny fine motor movements of a young child. The ability to use hands and fingers with confidence is important for young children.  These small muscle movements fun to watch develop and there are so many activities you can do with your child to help them as they improve their fine motor control. If you want to track your child's fine motor development, click here!

For example, one question asks  “Does your 2 month old grasp your finger if you touch the palm of her hand?” or for a 14 moth old,  "Does your baby throw a small ball with a forward motion?"

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Fine motor milestones

 Birth to 4 Months

Regards colorful object momentarily

Moves arms symmetrically, Brings hands to mid-line

Follows with eyes moving person while in multiple positions

Grasps toy actively

4 to 8 Months

Looks at distant and smaller objects. Can follow with eyes w/o moving head

Reaches for objects with both arms

Retains small object in both hands

Rakes at small objects

8 to 12 Months

Bangs 2 toys together at mid-line

Takes objects out of container

Releases objects voluntarily

Pokes with index finger

Uses crayon, tries to imitate scribbles

12 to 18 Months

Scribbles spontaneously

Puts 3 or more objects in container, dumps container to retrieve objects

Builds tower with at least 3 blocks

Points with index finger

Uses neat pincer grasp

18 to 24 Months

Imitates vertical and circular drawing strokes

Builds tower with 4+ blocks

Attempts to fold paper

24 to 36 Months

Holds crayon with fingers and thumb, imitates simple forms (cross)

Strings large beads

Snips with scissors

Folds paper in half

Imitates multiple forms with blocks

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Doing fine motor activities together helps you as a parent observe your child's progress and strengthen your relationship and attachment. Check out our previous posts for great ideas of things you can do with your child to help improve their fine motor skills such as: cooking together, Parent-Child Yoga, or even making snow with scissors. 

The following provides a basic outline of fine motor developmental milestones. Remember each child is developing individually, so don’t become discouraged if your child is not on track in all elements. If you are concerned about the progress of your child, contact us here.

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