Reaches for toys with one hand

What is this milestone?

Shows hand-eye coordination

Your baby spots an object of interest and purposefully extends their arm to swipe at it or grab it, demonstrating emerging hand-eye coordination.

Why it matters

This is a critical cognitive and physical milestone. It shows they understand that an object is separate from themselves and that they have the physical ability to interact with it, laying the groundwork for all future fine motor skills.

What to expect leading up to it

Early attempts will be jerky and inaccurate. You will see a lot of excited arm-flailing before they successfully make contact. They might initially just bat at dangling toys before learning to open their hand and grasp.

How to encourage and support it

A baby gym with dangling toys is perfect for this stage. Offer lightweight, easy-to-grasp objects like Oball rattles. Hold toys slightly above their chest, giving them a clear target to aim for.

When to talk to your doctor

Bring it up if your baby is not reaching for objects by 6 months, is not bringing things to their mouth, or keeps their hands mostly fisted. A strong preference for one hand this early is also worth mentioning -- hand dominance normally does not appear until after the first year. And at any age, if your baby loses a skill they already had, tell your pediatrician that week.