In the first months of his life, babies learn to grab objects with their hands, but also parts of their body (hair, feet, etc.). Age, tips to help… Elodie Delporte, nursery nurse, explains to us why this step is important for the development and fine motor skills of the child.
Grabbing an object or part of one’s body, such as the feet, is a milestone in child development. At birth, baby already acquires this palmar grasp reflexthat we call “grasping“. It will disappear in the first months of life, until the child begins to grab a small toy with his hands, then his feet, hair, etc. This is the child’s fine motor skills which will then be requested. At what age does baby catch? VSHow can I help him catch objects? Answers with Elodie Delporte, childcare worker and founder of Grandir Epanouis, a support structure around parenthood and early childhood.
At what age does baby start catching with his hands?
In general, around the age of three months, baby begins to hold an object in the palm of his hand for a few moments, then shake hands in contact with the latter. At this point he is able to grab his pacifier and bring it to his mouth !
Around 4 months, it is he who will voluntarily grasp the object tense or located near him in order to live new experiences and develop his brain. Now is the time to hand him a rattle or a toy that makes different sounds!
At what age does a baby give up grasping?
Before being able to hold an object in his hand, baby will go through the grasping stage. “Over the weeks, baby’s little hands open up little by little… At two months, the grasping is more discreet, and disappears around three months”, explains Elodie Delporte, childcare worker. “In a complicated moment for baby (during the bath, a visit to the doctor), do not hesitate to take his hand to soothe him” she advises.
“At two months, the grasping is more discreet, and disappears around three months”.
Which baby can hold his bottle to?
After beginning to grasp objects in his hands, it will be necessary to wait until he is 9 to 12 months old so that baby can hold his bottle in full and above all lift it to drink alone like a grown-up.
At what age does baby grab his feet?
Around the age of 5 months, babies begin to grasp their feet with their hands, because his field of vision has widened and he can see his feet, which he likes to manipulate. However, there are great disparities depending on the toddlers: some catch them around 3 or 4 months, and others only around 9 months, or even much later.
“By grabbing his feet and trying to put them in his mouth, baby will learn to lift his pelvis and it is thanks to this step that he will first turn on his side and then turn around. By repeating the gesture, he acquires experience and learns to know his body and his skills. He will discover the intermediate positions which will allow him afterwards to turn around on his own and then to sit down without the help of the adult.“, underlines the expert.
“By grabbing his feet and trying to put them in his mouth, baby will learn to lift his pelvis, roll onto his side and then roll over.”
To grow and develop their talents, baby needs an environment that promotes discovery. For this, do not hesitate to install it on a playmat and to offer him toys that are quiet, small and light, but also everyday objects (non-sharp and not dangerous for his age). Also be sure to give him the opportunity to experiment under your benevolent gaze of course!
“The discovery of different sensations with hands and feet (soft, rough, etc.) will allow your child to discover his body, his abilities and to feel. Manipulative games or finger nursery rhymes will allow your child to discover all the possibilities of his hands. Also trust your parenting skills and your creativity. By observing and listening to your baby, you will find the most conducive environment to respond to his desire for experience.adds the specialist.
Thanks to Elodie Delporte, childcare worker and founder of the structure Grandir Epanouis.