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Questions & Answers - Developmental Concerns
My daughter was born 38 weeks but spent 5 weeks in the NICU with an
infection. She is now 4 months old. I am watching to ensure there aren't
any developmental delays. I have a question about her ability to reach
objects presented at her midline. When playing on her mat with a toy at
midline, she sometimes reaches for it with both hands but only is able
to grab it with her right. She seems to have better coordination with
her right hand when reaching for things.
The most important skill we look at for young babies by the time they
reach about 3 months is the ability to bring hands together at midline.
Shortly after this is when babies will start to attempt to reach toward,
bat at and grasp toys with one hand. You should not be noticing a marked
difference between left and right sides...since this sounds like it is a
concern of yours I would recommend calling your local early intervention
provider to request a physical and occupational therapy evaluation to
rule out any concerns. If you notice that your daughter prefers to keep
her head turned to one side more than the other when in various
positions (belly, back, while in a swing/bouncer, etc) this could be one
reason you see her preferring to reach & grasp with her right hand more
than her left.
A PT and/or OT will be able to determine if there is a concern and in
turn give you some great suggestions or positioning and play that you
can use at home to encourage your daughter's motor development. In the
meantime, begin to present toys to her side which you may see as
"weaker" instead of always at midline. Encourage lots of tummy time
during waking hours. If you notice her preferring to keep her head
turned toward the right side as well, then use rolled up receiving
blankets to her right side to help her keep her head in midline and
prevent her from turning it only to one side. This is our link on
fine motor development for 4-8 months.
This is your local Early Intervention contact:
PACT, Inc. (CFC 5)
Early Intervention
750 Warrenville Road, Suite 300
Lisle, IL 60532
Phone: (630) 493-0400
TTY: (630) 493-1992
Fax: (630) 493-1995
Toll Free: (800) 637-7181
Back to: Therapist
Questions & Answers - Developmental Concerns