Takes objects out of a small container and replaces them carefully
Your baby will have been reaching for and grasping items for a little while now. They have been exploring reaching and grasping while trying to work out how to use their fingers more effectively.
Now that your baby can use their fingers with more control, you will see them picking up objects and placing them back in a container. They can do this due to their increased ability to use in-hand manipulation, which is simply moving an object around in their hand. They have developed a mature pincer grasp and can now pick up objects with the tips of their thumb and index finger.
You will notice that your baby no longer needs to rest their arm on a surface whilst they are reaching and picking up small objects. This is due to the increased stability of their trunk and control of their shoulder. Having these gross motor skills in place helps your baby to make successful complex hand motions. [1]
Links with other streams
There are other skills in place at this stage too which are supporting your baby to pick up and put back smaller items and objects. Many researchers also link tactile perception, balance and cognitive processes to the acquisition of motor skills. Research suggests that your baby will be processing sensory information regarding the feeling of the objects in their fingers, they will be planning how to move and pick up the objects whilst also negotiating the size and shape of the objects in relation to their fingers.[1]
When first exploring the wonderful task of taking objects in and out of a container, there will be much trial and error. Your baby will have to experiment with many ways of moving their fingers in order to successfully pick them and place them back again.
Your baby will most likely be using the fingertips of the first three fingers, along with their thumb to pick up objects. [2] The capability to accomplish everyday activities is dependent on the development of skillful hand movements such as grasping and object manipulation.
What next:
Your baby’s fine motor skills will continue to develop and they will start to use their index finger and thumb when picking up small objects. They will soon be able to do more complex tasks such as, turning objects such as a door handle and tearing paper.
References:
[1] S.J. Edwards, D.B. Gallen, J.D McCoy-Powlen, M.A. Suarez (2018). Hand Grasps and Manipulation Skills. Slack Incorporated
[2] V.G. Payne, L.D. Isaacs (2008) Human Motor Development - A Lifespan Approach. The McGraw-Hill Companies