Picks up things with thumb and pointer finger (pincer grasp)
What is this milestone?
Fine motor precision milestone
The pincer grasp is the ability to pick up small objects using the tips of the thumb and the index finger, rather than the whole hand or palm.
Why it matters
This is a monumental leap in fine motor precision. It allows your baby to feed themselves small finger foods, manipulate tiny toys, and eventually hold a pencil or button a shirt.
What to expect leading up to it
Before perfecting the tip-to-tip pincer, babies use a 'raking' grasp with all their fingers, or a 'scissor' grasp using the side of the thumb against the fingers. Gradually, the movement will become more refined and precise.
How to encourage and support it
Offer safe, pea-sized foods like O-shaped cereal, soft peas, or small puffs during mealtime. Supervision is vital as they are now capable of picking up very small (and potentially dangerous) items from the floor.
When to talk to your doctor
The CDC's milestone checklists say what most children (75% or more) can do by each age. They list “Picks things up between thumb and pointer finger, like small bits of food” by 1 year. If your child is not doing this by then, the CDC's advice is not to wait: talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening. The same goes at any age if your child loses a skill they once had, or if anything else about their development worries you. Source: the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” milestone checklists, checked October 5, 2026.
Every child develops at their own pace, and the ages here are the CDC's general guidance — not a developmental screening. This article is not medical advice and is not a substitute for your pediatrician. If you have any concern about your child's development, talk to them.
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