Moves things from one hand to the other

What is this milestone?

Hand-to-hand transfer

Your baby takes an object they are holding in one hand and smoothly passes it over to their other hand.

Why it matters

Transferring objects requires communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. It is a highly complex fine motor skill that proves they are gaining precise control over the release and grasp mechanics of their fingers.

What to expect leading up to it

Before a smooth transfer, they might bring both hands to their mouth with the toy, letting the mouth assist in the exchange. Soon, they will purposefully pass a block or rattle back and forth while inspecting it.

How to encourage and support it

Hand them a toy when they already have one in their hand to see if they will transfer the first toy to accept the new one. Offer objects with different textures and shapes to keep their interest high.

When to talk to your doctor

Mention it if your baby is not passing objects from hand to hand by around 8 months. Tell your pediatrician sooner if your baby clearly favours one hand before 12 months, or seems to ignore or under-use one side of the body -- an early hand preference is one of the more actionable things to check. And at any age, if your baby loses a skill they already had, tell your pediatrician that week.