Should I be worried?

Question

My 5 1/2 month old is starting to hold her own bottle. However, she only ever, fully, uses her left hand. Her right hand she will usually keep clenched in a fist in her lap or sometimes raise it up to balance the bottle but she won't open her fingers. I've tried to open them for her and put her hand on the other side but then she lets go entirely. Does this mean she might have problems later on with her right side? Or am I just being a sensitive new mom?

Answer 1

You're just being a sensitive new mom!

Answer 2

You're not just being a sensitive new mom. You're being an attentive new mom. I'm glad that you've noticed a pattern of her doing this and you didn't jump on here the first time she did it.

Here's my opinion: babies are neither right handed nor left-handed until they are nearly two years old. They will often go back and forth, favoring one hand over the other for periods of time and doing things with both hands as well. I would suggest, that for right now, she's comfortable holding the bottle with her one hand and is using the right for stability.

I'd also say, you'll probably see her switch it up in the next few weeks.

As far as the fist part goes, I wouldn't worry about that either. Babies keep their hands in a fist as a sign that they are tired and need a break. For example, a good time to try to play with your child or read her a book or teach her a new skill is to do it when her hands are open and relaxed. They are ready to learn and are receptive.

When your daughter uses a closed fist to hold the bottle, it's probably a sign that she's tired (which happens a lot with babies when it comes time to eat) and that she needs some quiet time. I'd say if you don't see any changes (occasionally holding bottle with both hands or switching the dominant hand), I'd talk to the doctor about it at the baby's six month appointment. Good luck!

Answer 3

I wouldnt worry about it. Every child develops a preference for one side of their body while still in the womb.

If for some reason she's never opening her fist, or expresses pain while doing do, maybe then you should worry. But keeping one hand fisted up while holding a bottle is alright. Most children will use both to hold something while that young, but not all.

If you're super concerned, have her evaluated by her doctor.

Answer 4

My daughter did the same thing when she started holding her own bottle. She started holding her bottle at 4 months, and she is now 6 months and holds it with both hands open. She favors her left hand, so maybe she will be left handed, who knows, but be patient, she will eventually get the hang of using both hands.

Answer 5

My son was like this for awhile. He would only use his left hand for everything. Now he has starting using his right hand a little more. My mom said I was the same way as a child, I would only use my left hand and my dad didnt' want me to be left handed so they forced me to use my right.

Answer 6

I think it's pretty normal, but it could also mean something later on, to be in the safe side I would strongly recommend you call 800-515-BABY or visit www.dds.ca.gov/earlystart
for more information, call your local regional center, education agency, or family resource center. EARLY START FAMILY RESOURCE NETWORK 800-974-5553
they will answer your question and offer you help if you need it, from personal experience they are great!

Answer 7

why to worry if she is using only one side she is still a baby you should be happy she's holding her own bottle .you're just being a sensitive mom good luck

Answer 8

She's fine! She's showing you that she quite possibly has left hand prefferences! =) It doesn't mean she'll be a "lefty" but for right now, that's what she likes. They all do this....some more than others, but they all go through it.

Answer 9

Relax, new mommy! She's fine. She's just working out her new muscles. My daughter did the same thing & now she's a gymnast & has a brown belt in karate!

Answer 10

No it means she is left handed