Fine Motor Developmental Milestones - A Month-by-Month Guide for Babies and Young Children

Fine motor is our ability to use our smaller muscles to do different things in daily life. It can be as simple as picking up things with our hands. Fine motor skills involve not only how we use these muscles but also additional elements—such as hand–eye coordination—to complete tasks smoothly. Our fine motor skills play an important role in our day-to-day activities. These skills play an important role in our day-to-day activities, and we may struggle significantly if we have difficulty developing them appropriately.

In this post, we’ll explore what fine motor milestones typically look like from infancy through early childhood, along with everyday items and actions that can help us understand a child’s developmental progress.

There may be times when a child reaches these milestones one to two months later than their peers. These small variations are usually not a cause for concern, as children develop at their own pace. However, if family members notice ongoing difficulties or skills that appear significantly different from those of similar-aged peers, it is advisable to consult a medical professional or allied health professional for advice. 

Reference

Gerber, R. J., Wilks, T., & Erdie-Lalena, C. (2010). Developmental Milestones: Motor Development. Pediatrics in Review, 31(7), 267–277. https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.31-7-267