Fine motor movements represent the movement of small muscle groups that work in an organised manner to produce small but precise and delicate movements. Hand movements are the most common fine motor skills assessed. The grasp reflex begins to develop inutero at about 10weeks of gestation. This reflex disappears completely by 3months. It is important to remember that fine motor development is closely linked to visual development. These skills are small and precise requiring focusing and attention. It is therefore important to check that the child can see.       

Fine motor development in an infant 0-6month

Place the infant in a supine position and observe their hand skills. Test for palmar grasp. Observe for fisting, hand regard, mouthing and hand movements towards the midline. Offer the child a toy and comment on whether they are reaching out, and whether they are able to hold onto it as well as their ability to transfer objects.

Age/Milestone
Birth 
• The grasp reflex is present from birth and disappears at about three months of age. Persistence indicates a neurological problem
• Hands mainly fisted- disappears around six weeks
 

3months 
• Closes and opens hand spontaneously
• Can hold rattle for a few seconds
• Hand regard- looks at hand intensely. This is delayed in children with visual impairment and should disappear by 20 weeks(5months)
 

5months 
• Reaches out
• Is able to scoop small objects holding them on the ulnar side of the hand
 

6months
• Plays with feet
• Holds bottle
• Takes toes to mouth
• Drops cube if offered a second cube
• Can transfer objects from one hand to the other

Video provided by http://www.medivisionfilms.com/