Your Baby's 6th Month

Grabbing, Shaking, Holding

It is easy to notice Baby's big movements as he sits, rolls over, and lifts his arms to be picked up. There are some equally important smaller movements that you may be observing too.

He is learning how to use his fingers, individually and together. He has already learned that they can be used to bat at things, hold and shake different objects, and bring interesting toys to his mouth. Now, watch as he learns they can be used as a tool to pick up very small objects.

By now, Baby's eyesight has improved and is sharp—he can even see a raisin across the floor. You may see him using his hand like a rake over small objects. He may be trying to use his thumb and second and third fingers together to pick up these small objects—developing his pincer grasp. Most babies do not perfect this skill for a couple more months, but this raises the topic of safety. You must now be very careful of all small objects in his reach and make the time to babyproof.

While babies have perfected how to hold onto objects, they are just learning about letting go. Maybe you've seen your baby pick up an object and transfer it back and forth from one hand to the other. Again, manipulating the fingers to maneuver small objects is a skill that will continue to develop over the next few months.

Some babies are more interested in developing their larger gross motor movements than their fine, smaller movements. It is important to understand that babies are unique individuals with their own preferences and interests.

This is a time when it becomes very hard not to compare what different babies of the same age are doing. Some babies push themselves to move by creeping on their bellies, even at this early age. Other babies like to sit and observe. All babies at this age are actively learning about what they can do with their bodies, whether making a large movement or a small one.