Key Indications of Your 7-Month-Old Baby’s Fist Clenching
The issues and queries related to the persistent fist clenching of your seven-month-old baby tend to be multi-faceted. As parents, it is natural to be worried when your baby is notably petite and often observed clenching her fists.
Investigating Your Concerns with a Pediatrician
If you are unsure what questions you should ask your baby’s doctor about the clenching of fists, we suggest you approach the situation methodically.
Baby’s Ability to Hold and Move Objects
Normally, a 7-month-old infant can freely open and close their hands, grasp toys, and transfer them from one hand to the other. Your baby’s fascination with using her hands to explore her surroundings should be visible through these interactions. If she has a tendency to hold her hands closed, it is worth mentioning to your healthcare provider, especially if you’re unable to easily open her hand with gentle pressure.
Understanding the “Raking” Motion
At this age, your baby’s grasp will still resemble a ‘raking’ motion. She will use all her fingers to pick up an object. Expectedly, she will gradually evolve towards finer motor control, which involves using just her thumb and one finger to pick up a small toy. This progression is typical by the time the child reaches one year.
Consulting a Specialist if Required
If your baby showcases difficulties in opening her hand or holding and moving toys from one hand to the other, have her evaluated by a pediatrician. The situation may call for further analysis if your baby shows considerable lag in her developmental milestones, and your physician may recommend visiting a developmental pediatrician. Similarly, there might be a need for an assessment from a physical and/or occupational therapist.
Final Note
Knowing the normal developmental milestones can give you a baseline to compare your child’s progress. Take notice of your child’s actions, share your observations with your healthcare provider, and never hesitate to ask questions. Remember, early intervention can go a long way in managing developmental delays, if any.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be concerned if my 7-month-old often clenches her fists?
While most infants have relaxed their grasp by seven months, some may prefer to keep their fists closed. This is not necessarily alarming if the child can open her hand with gentle pressure and play with toys. However, if either of these becomes a difficulty, consult a healthcare provider.
What should I ask my baby’s doctor about her fist clenching?
You can ask about normal developmental milestones, any possible reasons for the persistent fist clenching, and recommendations for therapy or specialist consultations if needed.