Baby Not Handing Objects to Others
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published CDC, AAP, Zero to Three guidelines
Last reviewed:
Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed baby not handing objects to others, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Giving objects to others, either when asked or spontaneously, typically develops between 10 and 14 months. This skill reflects both social communication and the ability to release a grasped object intentionally. If your child does not give objects by 15 to 16 months, mention it at your next well-child visit.
Key takeaways
- Giving objects to others, either when asked or spontaneously, typically develops between 10 and 14 months. This skill reflects both social communication and the ability to release a grasped object intentionally. If your child does not give objects by 15 to 16 months, mention it at your next well-child visit.
- Usually normal when: Your baby is under 12 months and has difficulty releasing objects from their grip
- Call your doctor if: Your baby shows no social sharing behaviors including giving, showing, or pointing by 15 months
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to CDC, AAP, Zero to Three guidelines, giving objects to others, either when asked or spontaneously, typically develops between 10 and 14 months. This skill reflects both social communication and the ability to release a grasped object intentionally. If your child does not give objects by 15 to 16 months, mention it at your next well-child visit. At 6-9 months, babies at this age grasp objects but have difficulty voluntarily releasing them. They may drop objects accidentally but cannot yet hand them to you intentionally. This is a motor and cognitive skill that takes time to develop. It is generally considered normal when your baby is under 12 months and has difficulty releasing objects from their grip. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby shows no social sharing behaviors including giving, showing, or pointing by 15 months.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-9 months
Babies at this age grasp objects but have difficulty voluntarily releasing them. They may drop objects accidentally but cannot yet hand them to you intentionally. This is a motor and cognitive skill that takes time to develop.
9-12 months
Babies begin to practice giving and may release objects into your hand, especially during games like "give it to me." They enjoy the back-and-forth of give-and-take games as early turn-taking practice.
12-15 months
Most babies can give objects when asked and may spontaneously bring things to share with you. This is an important social milestone that shows your baby wants to interact and share experiences.
15-18 months
Giving objects should be established. If your child never hands objects to you, especially alongside absent showing and pointing, a developmental screening is recommended.
18-24 months
Children give objects as part of social interaction and may begin offering things to peers. Complete absence of giving and sharing behaviors at this age warrants evaluation.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby not handing objects to others and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby is over 15 months and has never given an object to another person.
- Mention if your baby does not respond to requests to give or show objects.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is under 12 months and has difficulty releasing objects from their grip
- Your baby gives objects during games but not spontaneously
- Your baby hands you things sometimes but refuses other times, which is a sign of developing autonomy
- Your baby gives to familiar people but not strangers
- Your baby is over 15 months and has never given an object to another person
- Your baby does not respond to requests to give or show objects
- Absent giving is combined with limited pointing, showing, and social engagement
- Your baby shows no social sharing behaviors including giving, showing, or pointing by 15 months
- Your baby had these skills and has lost them
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby not handing objects to others — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby is under 12 months and has difficulty releasing objects from their grip — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 6-9 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Respond consistently and calmly to your baby's behavior. Maintain predictable daily routines.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby shows no social sharing behaviors including giving, showing, or pointing by 15 months.
Related Conditions
Baby Not Showing Things to Parents
Showing objects to share interest, such as holding up a toy for you to see, typically develops between 10 and 14 months. This is a key joint attention skill that demonstrates your baby wants to share experiences with you. If your child is not showing objects to share by 15 months, mention it to your pediatrician, as it is an important social communication milestone.
Baby Not Sharing Attention (No Joint Attention)
Joint attention - the ability to share focus on something with another person - is one of the most important social-communication skills that develops between 9 and 14 months. It includes following someone's point or gaze, pointing to show you something interesting, and looking back and forth between you and an object. This skill is the foundation for language learning and social development.
My Baby Isn't Pointing
Pointing typically develops between 12 and 14 months and is considered one of the most important social communication milestones. It shows your baby wants to share their world with you. If your baby isn't pointing by 18 months, a developmental evaluation is recommended - but there are lots of other ways babies start communicating that are worth noticing too.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is baby not handing objects to others normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby not handing objects to others?
When is baby not handing objects to others normal?
What causes baby not handing objects to others?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby not handing objects to others?
Is baby not handing objects to others normal at 6-9 months?
Is baby not handing objects to others normal at 9-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby not handing objects to others?
Does baby not handing objects to others go away on its own?
References
- [1]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important Milestones: Your Child By One Year. CDC
- [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Social Development: 8 to 12 Months. AAP
- [3]Zero to Three. Social Development Milestones. Zero to Three
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Not Handing Objects to Others.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby not handing objects to others and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby is over 15 months and has never given an object to another person.
- Mention if your baby does not respond to requests to give or show objects.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby is over 15 months and has never given an object to another person
- Your baby does not respond to requests to give or show objects
- Absent giving is combined with limited pointing, showing, and social engagement
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby shows no social sharing behaviors including giving, showing, or pointing by 15 months
- Your baby had these skills and has lost them
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby not handing objects to others are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby shows no social sharing behaviors including giving, showing, or pointing by 15 months.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Baby Not Showing Things to Parents
Showing objects to share interest, such as holding up a toy for you to see, typically develops between 10 and 14 months. This is a key joint attention skill that demonstrates your baby wants to share experiences with you. If your child is not showing objects to share by 15 months, mention it to your pediatrician, as it is an important social communication milestone.
Baby Not Sharing Attention (No Joint Attention)
Joint attention - the ability to share focus on something with another person - is one of the most important social-communication skills that develops between 9 and 14 months. It includes following someone's point or gaze, pointing to show you something interesting, and looking back and forth between you and an object. This skill is the foundation for language learning and social development.
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