My Baby Isn't Transferring Objects Between Hands
The short answer
Transferring objects from one hand to the other typically develops between 5 and 7 months. This is an important fine motor milestone that shows your baby can coordinate both sides of their body and cross the midline. Like all milestones, it develops gradually - your baby may fumble and drop the object many times before the transfer becomes smooth.
By Age
What to expect by age
Most babies are holding objects placed in their hand but aren't transferring yet. You might see your baby hold a toy in one hand and look at their other hand, or bring both hands together on an object. These are precursor skills. Your baby is building the neural connections needed for hand-to-hand transfer.
This is when most babies start transferring objects between hands. It often begins accidentally - your baby reaches for a toy with both hands and ends up moving it from one to the other. Over time, it becomes more deliberate. Offering toys at the midline (center of their body) gives them natural opportunities to practice.
By 7-9 months, most babies transfer objects smoothly and intentionally. If your baby isn't doing this at all by 9 months, mention it to your pediatrician. They'll want to make sure there isn't a strength or coordination difference between the two sides of the body. Often, simple activities and play suggestions can encourage this skill.
If your baby still isn't transferring objects between hands by 10 months, an evaluation is recommended. Your pediatrician may check for any asymmetry in muscle tone or movement between the two sides and may refer to an occupational therapist. These skills respond very well to targeted therapy activities.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is under 6 months and holds objects but doesn't transfer them yet - this skill is still developing.
- Your baby sometimes transfers and sometimes drops the object during the attempt - coordination is still refining.
- Your baby brings both hands together on objects at midline even if they don't formally "transfer" yet.
- Your baby was premature - use adjusted age for fine motor milestones.
- Your baby is over 9 months and consistently uses only one hand while ignoring the other.
- Your baby can't seem to open one hand to accept an object from the other hand.
- You notice a clear difference in how well your baby moves or uses their right versus left hand.
- Your baby isn't bringing hands together at midline by 5-6 months.
- Your baby was transferring objects and has stopped - loss of fine motor skills needs prompt evaluation.
- One of your baby's hands is consistently fisted while the other moves freely, especially after 4 months.
- Your baby has no use of one arm or hand - this requires immediate medical evaluation.
Sources
Related Resources
Related Physical Concerns
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.
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.