First-time mom here :-)...My daughter will be four months old in a week or so, and she still doesn't really bat her hands at toys that are suspended over her. We give her playtime on her little play gym mat, and I've hung a small shaker toy over her carseat (don't worry; not long enough to be dangerous!), but all she does is stare at them. Her 4-month checkup is about a week away, so I'll ask her doctor about it then, but in the meantime I thought I might gather some info from other parents out there regarding this. Should I be at all worried, or is this just another example of how every baby develops at his/her own rate? Thanks!
2006-09-26 12:46:13 · 19 answers · asked by peachy78 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Your daughter is the same age as my son. I would say my son doesn't knowingly bat his hands at his toys either. He's more likely to move his leg (inadvertently?) and kick the dangling toys. I think it's pretty normal. Does she do other things with her hands, like suck on them, or pull her paci out, or grab her blanket? My son does those things.
I'm sure she's fine, but check with the dr.
Also, there's a good checklist on babycenter for development.
2006-09-26 13:15:00 · answer #1 · answered by tish 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every baby develops at their own pace, however if you feel that something is incorrect, don't ignore your fears. Talk to the doctor and make sure that he/she is aware of your concern. Your baby should be reaching for things at this age because this is when they start to become curious. What kind of toys are they that you have for her? There are learning toys from Parenting magazine that are age appropriate with blacks, reds, whites, yellows, brighter colors that babies can see better. Don't be too worried until you see that the doctor is worried, just don't EVER ignore a nagging feeling or suspicion that you are having, even as a first time mom honey God gave you that instinct before you ever became one. Good luck, and God bless.
2006-09-26 20:17:38 · answer #2 · answered by pamalamadingdong_1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say probably just another example of how every baby developes at their own rate. If at 6 months she still isn't batting at them you might want to have her vision checked.
2006-09-26 21:47:43 · answer #3 · answered by dmommab@sbcglobal.net 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Totally normal. Hand eye coordination is a vrey tricky thing for babies to master. If you move the object past the baby, does she track it with her eyes?? Does she realize she has hands yout?? Does she watch her hands and slowly try to maneuver them to her mouth? These motions come naturally to us but is a brand new concept for babies. If she hasn't fully realized she has hands that she can control, she would'nt realize she can actually reach out and touch something, My son is 5 months old and is barely and very clumsily able to reach for objects but his hands are still his favorite toys, he has a ball babbling at them and shoving them in his mouth, Give her time, she'll get it.
2006-09-27 02:18:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not worry. Babies develop at different rates and do things differently at their own pace. She will start doing things that will astonish you at rates of light speed soon. Just enjoy her and love her as much as you can. I can understand the being worried part, but dont worry.
2006-09-26 19:49:53 · answer #5 · answered by cfoxwell99 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your little girl is right on track IMO. Does she open and close her hands, suck on them, look at them, and maybe even grab things you put in her hand (close her fingers around them - grasing)?? If so then that is perfectly fine. She really shouldn't be swatting at things for a few more weeks anyway. I would not be worried unless she just lays there and doesn't open/close her hands, suck on them, look at them.
In any event - if you're still concerned talk to her pedi at her well-check apt. HTH!
2006-09-26 22:00:37 · answer #6 · answered by Camrnhill 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry, she's sounds normal to me. I kept waiting for my baby (4 1/2mo) to start reaching for things & he finally did a couple weeks ago & now he's reaching for everything he can get to, and of course, everything goes straight to his mouth. When she does start reaching for things you'll have to watch things like your hair, earrings.....
As far as what you said about every baby developing at their own rate, I think your baby is perfectly normal, not "behind" other babies at all.
2006-09-26 19:55:22 · answer #7 · answered by Michelle *The Truth Hurts 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm no doctor, and I don't have kids, but I'm specializing in childhood development and speech language pathology. You have to remember that she is only 4 months old. "Typical" motor development charts put batting or reaching at around 8 months. She should be able to grasp a small object that's placed in her hand. But, even if she can't do that, every child is different. PLEASE please please don't get into the habit of comparing your child to other children...she is special in her own way. Hope this helps.
2006-09-26 19:53:32 · answer #8 · answered by Sam 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't really worry about other kids because it is just another example of babies developing at their own rate. Her pediatrician will let you know if you need to worry.
2006-09-26 19:51:41 · answer #9 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
normal normal normal......I am a mom of 3 and trust me its normal. I would be worried if she was about 6 1/2 months and not wanting to clap or grab things. Most of there real skill come right after sitting....just sit back relax and watch her grow its amazing!
2006-09-26 22:18:17 · answer #10 · answered by heathersasmom 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋