As parents, we love watching every little milestone our baby reaches—those tiny smiles, first giggles, and the moment they grab our finger with their tiny hand. Among the many milestones of early childhood, one that plays a big role in your baby’s growth is fine motor skills. These are the small muscle movements in your baby’s hands, fingers, and wrists that will eventually help them feed themselves, pick up toys, and even write.

In this post, we’ll walk through what fine motor skills are, when you can expect to see them develop, how to encourage them, and which toys and everyday activities can help.

What Are Fine Motor Skills?

Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles, especially in the hands and fingers, working together with the eyes. For infants, it begins with simple actions like grasping your finger or swatting at a toy. Over time, these skills build toward holding a spoon, turning pages in a book, or stacking blocks.

These skills are essential because they lay the foundation for independence in eating, dressing, and learning later on.

When Do Fine Motor Skills Develop?

Every baby develops at their own pace, but fine motor skills follow a gentle progression as your child grows. Here’s a more detailed timeline of what you may notice from infancy through toddlerhood:

0–3 months

• Hands are mostly clenched into fists but begin to open more often.
• Babies bring their hands toward their mouths.
• They can briefly hold objects placed in their palms.

4–6 months

• Grasps and shakes toys with more control.
• Begins to reach with both hands.
• Transfers objects from one hand to the other.
• Explores with the mouth, bringing toys and fingers to lips.

7–9 months

• Uses a “raking grasp” (curling fingers to scoop up objects).
• Explores toys by banging them together.
• Starts to point or use a single finger to poke at things.
• Can pass objects back and forth between hands intentionally.

10–12 months

• Masters the pincer grasp (thumb + forefinger).
• Picks up small objects like cereal pieces or beads.
• Begins to clap hands and wave.
• Starts to stack two blocks or cups on top of each other.

12–18 months

• Uses a spoon with some spills.
• Turns pages in a sturdy board book (multiple pages at once).
• Scribbles with crayons or markers.
• Builds towers with 2–3 blocks.

18–24 months

• Drinks from an open cup with guidance.
• Turns pages one by one.
• Begins to use simple puzzles with large pieces.
• Can string large beads onto a shoelace or stick.

2–3 years

• Builds towers with 6 or more blocks.
• Starts using child-safe scissors.
• Can feed themselves with a spoon and fork with little help.
• Draws lines and simple circles.
• Begins dressing skills—like pulling off socks or attempting to put on shoes.

Remember: these ranges are approximate. Some babies may be a little earlier, some a little later, and both are perfectly normal.

How to Encourage Fine Motor Skills in Infants

The best part about encouraging fine motor development is that it can be woven into everyday play. Here are a few simple activities:

Everyday Activities

• Let your baby grasp your finger and gently pull.
• Encourage reaching for toys placed just out of reach during tummy time.
• Offer soft finger foods (when they’re developmentally ready).

Playtime Ideas

• Stacking cups or rings to practice grasp and release.
• Soft cloth books with flaps to turn.
• Rattles and teethers they can hold and shake.

Best Toys for Fine Motor Development

Here are some wonderful, parent-approved toys that can help build fine motor skills.

• Stacking Cups – Simple but effective for grasping, stacking, and nesting.
• Infant Activity Cube – Engages little hands with spinners, sliders, and beads.
• Baby Finger Food Feeder – Encourages self-feeding while building coordination.
• Soft Cloth Books with Crinkle Pages – Great for turning pages and sensory exploration.
• Shape Sorter Toys – Introduce problem-solving along with grasp and release.

When to Be Concerned

It’s important to remember that babies and toddlers develop at their own pace, and a small delay does not always mean something is wrong. However, there are certain signs worth paying attention to. If you notice these patterns, it may be a good idea to bring them up with your pediatrician:

By 6 months

• Baby keeps hands tightly clenched most of the time.
• Rarely reaches for toys or objects.
• Has difficulty bringing hands together at the midline (in front of the body).

By 12 months

• Shows little interest in grasping toys or food.
• Struggles to bring items to the mouth.
• Does not attempt to use both hands or strongly favors one hand over the other.
• Doesn’t bang toys together or pass them between hands.

By 18–24 months

• Has trouble stacking blocks, turning book pages, or using a spoon.
• Rarely points or uses gestures.
• Doesn’t attempt to scribble, poke, or explore objects with fingers.

General Red Flags

• Muscle stiffness or unusual floppiness.
• Tremors or uncontrolled movements.
• Loss of a skill your baby previously had.

If you notice any of these signs, don’t panic—sometimes children simply need more time. But it’s always best to check in with your pediatrician, who may suggest an evaluation or connect you with an occupational therapist for extra support.

Key Takeaways for Parents

Fine motor skills are small but mighty milestones that prepare your baby for independence. With love, patience, and a little bit of playtime, you can support your baby’s growth every day. Remember, you don’t need fancy equipment—simple toys, finger foods, and your time are often the best tools.