My Baby Isn't Raking at Small Objects
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about isn't raking at small objects, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
The raking grasp (using fingers to sweep small objects toward the palm) typically develops around 6-8 months. This is a precursor to the pincer grasp. If your baby cannot rake small objects by 9 months, mention it to your pediatrician. Most babies are still using a whole-hand or palmar grasp at 6 months.
Key takeaways
- The raking grasp (using fingers to sweep small objects toward the palm) typically develops around 6-8 months. This is a precursor to the pincer grasp. If your baby cannot rake small objects by 9 months, mention it to your pediatrician. Most babies are still using a whole-hand or palmar grasp at 6 months.
- Usually normal when: Your baby is under 8 months and uses a whole-hand grasp.
- Call your doctor if: Your baby has lost grasp abilities they previously had.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC, NIH guidelines, the raking grasp (using fingers to sweep small objects toward the palm) typically develops around 6-8 months. This is a precursor to the pincer grasp. If your baby cannot rake small objects by 9 months, mention it to your pediatrician. Most babies are still using a whole-hand or palmar grasp at 6 months. At 4-6 months, babies at this age use a palmar grasp, wrapping their whole hand around objects. They cannot yet pick up small items. This is completely normal. The raking motion develops next as your baby gains more finger control. It is generally considered normal when your baby is under 8 months and uses a whole-hand grasp. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby has lost grasp abilities they previously had.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
4-6 months
Babies at this age use a palmar grasp, wrapping their whole hand around objects. They cannot yet pick up small items. This is completely normal. The raking motion develops next as your baby gains more finger control.
6-8 months
The raking grasp should emerge during this period. Your baby will use their fingers to sweep small items like cereal into their palm. It looks messy and imprecise, and that is perfectly normal. This is an important step toward the pincer grasp.
8-10 months
Your baby should be raking at small objects and may be starting to develop a crude pincer grasp (using thumb and side of index finger). If your baby shows no raking ability, discuss it with your pediatrician.
10-12 months
The raking grasp should have transitioned to a pincer grasp by now. If your baby is still unable to pick up small objects at all, fine motor evaluation is recommended.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed isn't raking at small objects 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 9 months and cannot rake or pick up small objects.
- Mention if your baby shows no interest in small 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 8 months and uses a whole-hand grasp.
- Your baby rakes messily but is getting food or objects.
- Your baby is developing the raking grasp but is not yet precise.
- Your baby was premature and is on adjusted age timeline.
- Your baby is over 9 months and cannot rake or pick up small objects.
- Your baby shows no interest in small objects.
- Your baby cannot bring hands to midline to grasp.
- Your baby has lost grasp abilities they previously had.
- Your baby's hands seem weak or unable to function.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice isn't raking at small objects — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby is under 8 months and uses a whole-hand grasp — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 4-6 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby has lost grasp abilities they previously had.
Related Conditions
Delayed Pincer Grasp Development
The pincer grasp - using the thumb and index finger to pick up small objects - typically develops between 8 and 12 months. Before this, babies use a raking motion or whole-hand grasp, which is perfectly normal. Every baby develops this skill at their own pace, and some take until closer to 12 months to master it.
Baby Not Grasping Objects
Babies develop voluntary grasping gradually over the first several months. Most babies begin reaching for objects around 3 to 4 months and develop a reliable grasp by 5 to 6 months. If your baby is under 4 months and not yet grabbing things, this is completely expected and normal.
My Baby Has Overall Fine Motor Delays
Fine motor skills develop gradually from grasping rattles to using a pincer grip to scribbling and stacking. If your child seems behind in multiple fine motor areas, an occupational therapy evaluation can identify specific areas to work on. Many fine motor delays respond very well to targeted therapy and practice.
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 isn't raking at small objects normal?
When should I call the doctor about isn't raking at small objects?
When is isn't raking at small objects normal?
What causes isn't raking at small objects?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about isn't raking at small objects?
Is isn't raking at small objects normal at 4-6 months?
Is isn't raking at small objects normal at 6-8 months?
Should I go to the ER for isn't raking at small objects?
Does isn't raking at small objects go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Isn't Raking at Small Objects.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed isn't raking at small objects 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 9 months and cannot rake or pick up small objects.
- Mention if your baby shows no interest in small 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 9 months and cannot rake or pick up small objects.
- Your baby shows no interest in small objects.
- Your baby cannot bring hands to midline to grasp.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby has lost grasp abilities they previously had.
- Your baby's hands seem weak or unable to function.
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 isn't raking at small objects are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has lost grasp abilities they previously had.
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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Related Physical Concerns
Delayed Pincer Grasp Development
The pincer grasp - using the thumb and index finger to pick up small objects - typically develops between 8 and 12 months. Before this, babies use a raking motion or whole-hand grasp, which is perfectly normal. Every baby develops this skill at their own pace, and some take until closer to 12 months to master it.
Baby Not Grasping Objects
Babies develop voluntary grasping gradually over the first several months. Most babies begin reaching for objects around 3 to 4 months and develop a reliable grasp by 5 to 6 months. If your baby is under 4 months and not yet grabbing things, this is completely expected and normal.
My Baby Has Overall Fine Motor Delays
Fine motor skills develop gradually from grasping rattles to using a pincer grip to scribbling and stacking. If your child seems behind in multiple fine motor areas, an occupational therapy evaluation can identify specific areas to work on. Many fine motor delays respond very well to targeted therapy and practice.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment
Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.