My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
The short answer
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.
By Age
What to expect by age
Newborns may briefly prefer turning their head to one side, but their arm and leg movements should be fairly symmetric. If your baby consistently keeps one hand fisted while the other is open, or if one arm moves much less than the other, bring this to your pediatrician's attention. Torticollis (tight neck muscles causing a head-turn preference) is common and very treatable at this age.
By this age, babies should be using both hands to reach for and grasp toys and should kick both legs equally. If you notice your baby consistently reaching with only one hand, or if one leg seems stiffer or less active than the other, mention it to your doctor. These observations are valuable - parents are often the first to notice subtle asymmetries.
When crawling develops, watch for symmetry. Some babies have an "imperfect" crawl that still uses both sides, which is fine. But if your baby consistently drags one leg, uses one arm differently, or leans heavily to one side, an evaluation is important. Asymmetric crawling can sometimes indicate a difference in tone or strength between the two sides.
As your baby starts pulling up, cruising, and walking, symmetry becomes easier to observe. Both legs should bear weight equally, and your baby should use both hands during play. If one side is clearly weaker or less coordinated, a referral to a pediatric neurologist or physical therapist is recommended. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby occasionally prefers one hand for a specific activity but uses both hands well overall.
- Your baby has a slight head-turn preference in the first few weeks that is resolving with repositioning.
- Your baby crawls with a slightly asymmetric pattern but uses both arms and legs actively.
- Your toddler over 18 months is developing a natural hand preference - this is appropriate at that age.
- Your baby consistently uses one hand much more than the other before 18 months.
- Your baby turns their head strongly to one side and resists turning to the other.
- Your baby crawls with one leg dragging or tucked underneath while the other pushes.
- When your baby stands or walks, one leg seems stiffer, weaker, or positioned differently than the other.
- Your baby suddenly stops using one arm or leg after previously using both equally - acute onset of one-sided weakness is a medical emergency.
- One side of your baby's body seems consistently stiff or rigid while the other side moves normally.
- Your baby has asymmetric movement combined with seizure-like episodes, unusual eye movements, or changes in alertness.
Sources
Related Resources
Related Physical Concerns
My Baby Curls Their Toes
Toe curling is very common in babies and is usually caused by the plantar grasp reflex, which is a normal newborn reflex that causes toes to curl when the sole of the foot is touched. This reflex typically fades by 9-12 months. Occasional toe curling during standing or walking is also normal as babies figure out their balance. Persistent, tight toe curling past 12 months may warrant a mention to your pediatrician.
My Baby Favors One Leg
Babies should use both legs roughly equally when kicking, crawling, and eventually walking. If your baby consistently favors one leg or seems to avoid using the other, it is worth having your pediatrician take a look. The cause is often something simple and treatable, like a minor hip or muscle issue, but early evaluation helps ensure the best outcome.
My Baby Gets Hiccups a Lot
Hiccups are extremely common in babies, especially newborns, and are almost always completely harmless. They happen because your baby's diaphragm is still developing and gets a little jumpy when their tiny stomach fills up or air gets swallowed. Most babies outgrow frequent hiccupping by 6-9 months.
My Baby Has Jerky Movements
Newborns and young babies often have jerky, uncoordinated movements because their nervous systems are still developing. What looks like random flailing is actually your baby learning how their body works. These movements typically become smoother and more controlled by 3-4 months as motor skills mature.
Baby Not Bearing Weight on Arms
Bearing weight on the arms is a gradual skill that develops during the first 6 months. Babies first prop up on their forearms around 2 to 4 months, then progress to pushing up on extended arms by 5 to 6 months. Regular tummy time is the best way to build this strength, even if your baby protests at first.
Baby Not Bringing Hands to Midline
Bringing hands to midline - the center of the body - is an important early motor milestone that typically develops between 3 and 4 months. Before this, babies tend to keep their hands to their sides or near their face. Once midline play develops, you will see your baby clasping their hands together, reaching for toys with both hands, and bringing objects to their mouth. This skill lays the foundation for many later abilities like transferring objects between hands and self-feeding.