What Are Fine Motor Skills?

Fine motor skills are developed when kids learn how to use smaller muscle groups such as those in their hands or fingers. They develop naturally as your little one learns to control and coordinate their body. The proper development of these skills depends on how well your child meets their developmental milestones. Think of these milestones as important clues about your child’s development. Reaching a certain milestone indicates that your child is developing as expected.

Remember, every child is different, so don’t be alarmed if your child isn’t developing as fast as another. They are still growing, and in a few weeks, their little muscles will have grown large and strong enough to acquire the skills.   

Kids start developing their fine motor skills early. Right from birth, they can grip your hand or place their hands in their mouths. As they get to six months, their grip gets better; they can grasp toys or move them from one hand to another. At nine months, they can clasp their hands, grasp a toy, or squeeze an item with both hands. These skills get better as your child grows, developing their gross motor skills as well.