Neurologic Exam-Pediatric | 12-month-old | Normal | Motor/Coordination - Pincer Grasp

12-month-old - Normal 08 - Motor/Coordination - Pincer Grasp: Fine motor coordination of the hand progresses in a definite pattern. At 6-7 months the hand is used as a rake and objects are raked into the palm with the fingers. At 8-9 months the thumb and the radial fingers are used to grasp an object and smaller objects are picked up. At 10-12 months, the fine pincer grasp is developed. This enables an infant to pick up a small object between the distal thumb and index finger. Both infants in this exam have developed a pincer grasp. The first infant uses the pincer grasp to feed himself a cheerio. The second infant demonstrates a pincer grasp by grabbing the tip of a measuring tape and pulling the tape out. The pincer grasp should be equal in either hand. Handedness does not develop until after 12 months of age. Early handedness and asymmetric fine motor skills are seen with a hemiparesis.