Fine Motor Developmental Stages

Fine motor skills are precise movements that we make with our hands and fingers. Fine motor skill development starts as an infant and continues on throughout childhood. From developing grasp patterns to performing intricate tasks with fingers, these skills play a pivotal role in a child’s growth and independence. Understanding the fine motor skills development timeline can help parents understand their child’s progress in growth. 

0-3 months   

• Brings hands to mouth 
• Moves arms 
• May swing arms at toys 
• Hands start to open more 

3-6 months 

• Holds small object in hand (without thumb tucked in hand)
• Holds hands together 
• Reaches for toys with both arms 
• Pushes up on arms when on tummy 
• Briefly holds a toy like a rattle 
• Follows objects with eyes in all directions  

6-9 months 

• Shakes and bangs rattles 
• Brings toys to mouth 
• Uses a raking grasp (thumb and all fingers) 
• Transfers objects from one hand to the other 
• Begins to use pincer grasp (thumb and index finger) to pick up small foods like Cheerios 

9-12 months 

• Controlled release of objects 
• Gives toy to a caregiver when asked  
• Bangs two toys together 
• Turns pages of a book a few pages at a time 
• Begins to put objects into a container 
• Points to objects 

12-18 months 

• Claps hands together 
• Puts objects and toys into containers 
• Waves goodbye 
• Uses both hands to play  
• Can isolate index finger with other fingers closed  
• Scribbles with a crayon 
• Beginning to use a spoon and cup 

18-24 months   

• Can build a block tower using 3-4 blocks  
• Puts rings on a ring stacker 
• Turns pages of a book one at a time 
• Likes to draw; holds crayon with fingers  

2 years old 

• Has hand control to build block towers  
• Can string beads on a shoelace  
• Likes to draw, holds crayon with fingers 

3 years old   

• Imitate or copy vertical and horizontal lines, a circle, or a cross 
• Snips with scissors 
• Strings large beads or blocks 
• Begin developing tripod pencil grasp 

4 years  

• Beginning to copy letters of name 
• Cuts out simple shapes with scissors 
• Able to do simple puzzles (6-10 pieces)  

5 years  

• Able to draw, paint and color (can draw a person with all body parts)  
• May begin writing letters without a model 
• Can button and unbutton  
• Develops good finger skills  
• Able to place small objects (e.g., 1/4 inch beads) in a bottle quickly  
• Starting to work with other mediums for art like clay, paper mache, etc.  

If you have concerns regarding your child's fine motor development, we encourage you to contact Express Yourself Therapy for a complimentary pediatric occupational therapy screening. Our team of professionals is dedicated to assessing your child's progress and providing the necessary support to promote their development.