Motor Skills
Reaching and Grasping
Typical age: 4 months
By about 4 months, babies begin intentionally reaching for and grasping objects. This milestone shows growing hand-eye coordination and marks the transition from reflexive to purposeful movement.
Signs to Look For
- ✓Reaches for toys with one or both hands
- ✓Holds and shakes a rattle or toy
- ✓Brings hands to mouth deliberately
- ✓Watches hands with interest
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Every child develops at their own pace. However, talk to your doctor if you notice:
- •No attempt to reach for objects by 5 months
- •Hands remain tightly fisted most of the time after 3 months
- •Doesn't bring objects to mouth by 5 months
Keep track of every milestone
Check them off as they happen and see what's coming next, based on the same CDC guidelines.
Open the milestone trackerBased on CDC developmental milestones. This is informational only, not medical advice. Every child develops differently. Consult your pediatrician with any concerns.