International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

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At which age do infants typically develop a pincer grasp using their thumb and index finger?

  1. 6 months

  2. 9 months

  3. 12 months

  4. 15 months

The correct answer is: 9 months

Infants typically develop a pincer grasp at around 9 months of age. This fine motor skill involves using the thumb and index finger to pick up small objects, illustrating their growing hand-eye coordination and dexterity. By this stage, infants gain better control over their hand movements, transitioning from a palmar grasp to the more refined pincer grasp, which allows them to manipulate objects with greater precision. The development of the pincer grasp is an important milestone in a child's growth, as it signifies readiness for self-feeding and exploring their environment more actively. At 9 months, infants are usually able to pinch or pick up small food items or toys, which enhances their cognitive and motor development. This skill paves the way for later abilities related to fine motor tasks, such as using spoons or crayons. In addition, the progression of hand movements typically follows a sequence where simpler grasping motions develop before more complex ones. Understanding this timeline can aid caregivers and health professionals in assessing an infant’s developmental milestones and identifying any potential delays in motor skills.