El pincer grasp in babies It is a fact or phenomenon that occurs in children from the age of three months. It is the particular form of grab the objects, since their evolutionary way of dealing with the outside world evolves step by step.
Babies begin to experiment with their hands and They are interested in holding them firmly. This is when his psychomotor skills begin and his hands are his best tool. As the weeks go by, their skills will grow, which is what helps the evolution of these little ones and their ingenuity grow.
What is pincer grasp in babies?
Babies begin to discover how to use their hands and begin to grab all the objects they want, more and more firmly. As we have noted, it is Psychomotor skills play such an important role in the development of the baby.. He will begin to touch or pick up objects with his whole hand and with the help of his fingers.
The gripper grip has a more complex resolution, where it begins to Use your thumb and index finger to pick up objects. This skill can be developed from approximately the fifth month, although it is in the third month when he will begin to try to pick up objects without a pincer grip.
The child has to empathize with this type of development, since it is vitally important. With this kind of skill empathize with the world, discover textures and feel the pride of being able to do so independently. As the months go by, his abilities expand, he will be able to pick up a spoon and eat alone, grab his toys and hold paints with his fingers.
This impulse to grasp begins unintentionally when babies are still very young. It is important to do a small test when they are just newborns. It consists of trying make him hold our finger with his hand, since it will do so as a palmar reflex act and in response to the fact that its muscles and reflexes work perfectly.
How to encourage your baby to practice pincer grasping with their hands
Many children They begin to learn by imitation. Parents' intention to teach their little ones to start with these types of skills is important and we can help them with very simple ideas:
Place food that they can eat and hold with their hands
If the baby can be independent take food (between 6 and 9 months), Parents will now be able to give them small pieces of fruit or any food so they can pick it up. like a clamp. It can be offered on the high chair tray, since in a calm way you can begin to practice this skill.
Use objects or toys that can be used as pulls
It may seem like a small thing, but you will surely have seen a child skillfully entertained taking out wet wipes with fingers. Likewise, you can offer him toys that enable the same skill, or crafts made with colored ribbons that he can pull and entertain him while developing his psychomotor skills.
Practice pointing your finger
It is a very common practice to have parents, friends or family point the finger and the boy or girl imitates them. From 9 months onwards they can have the ability to make this small gesture and the ability to move their fingers in this way. With the cute way of using the index finger, you can also move pages and look through magazines and books.
Use toys so he can grasp with his hands
Toys have always been the best example for his skill. Help to their motor skills and pincer grip. Always have toys on hand that he can hold in his hand, musical instruments to stimulate other senses or stickers that he likes to peel off and stick back on.
- The balls They are a nice system so they can hold them by hand. Paints are also ideal for learning how to handle them.
- The puzzles made to your size, or pieces made with wood to make like a puzzle.
- The wooden games, like block games.
- Paint with tempera It's also a nice game that you can do with your fingers or brushes.
- Play with play dough that you can knead, cut and play with its texture.
When the child begins to crawl, it is good for him to start being on the floor so that he begins to tone the muscles of his back and abdomen. Along with these skills you will also be able to stretch arms, reach for objects and pick things up with your hands. It is a good strategy to help develop hand-eye coordination.
Signs that the pincer grip is not doing it well
When you notice that the pincer grip or that the object you want to grasp between your fingers is not held well, then it is a clear sign that you are not doing it well. Age must also be analyzed, since It is not intended to observe that it does so with 3 or 4 months, But from that age onwards he begins to make small gestures with his hands.
If the baby from one year or 12 months has not learned the ability to pick up things with your hands in a pincer grip, is when you should consult the pediatrician. The fact that he does not pick up anything at all with his hand is an even more serious fact. From 14 months The boy or girl can now have total independence to make these types of movements.
You have to do said consultation to a professional or a pediatrician, who will refer said case to a neuropediatrician, since said problem may arise from a problem with the central nerve, autism or cerebral palsy.
To know when there is a problem of poor grip, it is important observe the child's fingers. For example, with effort, pressure is generated and as a consequence, the fingers or knuckles turn red.