GROSS AND FINE MOTOR SKILLS (INFANTS)

UAB PEDS Lecture

POSTURE

1 month: unable to support trunk, back rounded in seated position

5 months: able to support trunk, back straight in seated position

SITTING

6 months: sit with support

7 months: sit leaning forward

8 months: sits alone without assistance

PRE-CRAWLING

2 months: lifts head (45 degrees off floor)

3 months: lifts head (90 degrees off floor)

GROSS MOTOR SKILLS (INFANTS >4 months)

4 months: rolls from back to side

5 months: rolls from stomach to back

6 months: lifts stomach and shoulders off floor, bearing weight on hands

7-10 months: crawls on hands & knees

STANDING

3 months: can bear slight weight on legs

6 months: can bear almost all weight on legs

7 months: can bounce/jump on both feet

8 months: can move from sitting to kneeling

9 months: can stand still holding in furniture

WALKING

10 months: can stand with support & steps without foot

11 months: cruises & walks while holding a hand

12 months: takes first steps and begins to walk alone or while holding hands

GRASPING 1st 6 months

1 month: strong grasp reflex, closed fist

3 months: grasp reflex absent, hands remain open

can hold a rattle or small toy

4 months: can pick up objects with both hands

will attempt to put objects in mouth

6 months: can pick up & release objects with one hand

GRASPING 2nd 6 months

7 months: transfers objects from hand to hand and develops a raking grasp

8-10 months: pincer grasp is present (important for eating)

11 months: objects into/out of containers

12 months: turns pages of a book

FEEDING

6 months: can hold bottle independently

7 months: raking grass allows child to pick up fists full

8-10 months: pincer grasp allows child to pick up dry cereal (puffed rice, Cheerios)

11 months: intentionally drops objects/food

12 months: can use a cup alone