From the Guidelines
At 12 months, a child typically demonstrates fine motor skills such as picking up small objects with a 2-finger pincer grasp, banging 2 objects together, and putting 1 block in a cup. These skills are essential for their overall development and are usually achieved by this age 1. Some key fine motor skills for a 12-month-old child include:
- Picking up small objects using a 2-finger pincer grasp
- Banging 2 objects together
- Putting 1 block in a cup
- Releasing objects voluntarily
- Stacking 2 blocks
- Turning pages in board books
- Scribbling with a crayon when it's placed in their hand
These skills develop as brain maturation improves hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity. Parents can encourage fine motor development by providing safe opportunities for manipulation of various objects, supervised play with age-appropriate toys, and activities like finger foods during meals. If a child shows significant delays in these skills, consultation with a pediatrician is recommended 1. It's also important to note that while some studies have investigated early markers for autism spectrum disorder, no definitive behavioral or diagnostic markers for ASD have yet been identified in infants aged < 12 months 1. However, this does not directly impact the typical fine motor skills expected at 12 months.
From the Research
Fine Motor Skills for a 12-Month-Old Child
Fine motor skills are essential for a child's development, and at 12 months old, children typically exhibit certain skills. Some of the fine motor skills that a 12-month-old child may possess include:
- Using their hands to manipulate objects, such as shaking a toy or banging two objects together
- Transferring toys from one hand to another
- Using their fingers to point to objects
- Imitating gestures, such as clapping or waving
- Using both hands to achieve a task, such as holding a toy with one hand and using the other hand to manipulate it
Development of Fine Motor Skills
The development of fine motor skills is influenced by various factors, including environmental factors and maternal education 2. Studies have shown that children's fine motor skill proficiency can be affected by their socioeconomic status and maternal age 2. Additionally, research has found that intervention programs can have a positive effect on fine motor skill development in young children 3, 4.
Importance of Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills are crucial for a child's overall development, as they lay the foundation for future skills, such as dressing, feeding, and playing 5. Poor fine motor skills can lead to difficulties in academic achievement, increased anxiety, and poor self-esteem 6. Therefore, it is essential to monitor a child's fine motor skill development and provide appropriate interventions if necessary.