Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

What is a common fine motor skill development seen by 5 months?

1. Raking objects

2. Picking up small items

3. Stacking blocks

4. Transferring objects between hands

The correct answer is: Raking objects

At 5 months of age, infants typically exhibit the fine motor skill of raking objects. This skill involves using their hands to pull or drag items towards themselves, showing an evolving ability to grasp and manipulate objects. At this stage, the hand movements are primarily reflexive and beginning to become more intentional. Raking is significant as it highlights the development of coordination and control in a baby’s hands, which are foundational for further fine motor skills that will emerge as they grow. The raking motion is also a precursor to more advanced skills, such as picking up small items or transferring objects, which typically develop at later stages. Focusing on fine motor skill milestones allows caregivers and healthcare professionals to track developmental progress and identify any potential concerns early on.