Thumb in fist

[Countrybumpkin19]

My 6 month old DD holds her thumb in her fist a lot of the time when at rest. She can open up her hand and bring out her thumb when she is reaching for things, though regularly holds her thumb in her palm when she is grasping, particularly for smaller toys. Should I be concerned? She is generally meeting all her other milestones though is not yet making consonant sounds. I have been reading that the thumb in fist posture has been associated with language delays and I have noticed that some autistic children do this. Does anyone have any experience of this?

[Chickenandegg8]

Yes my little boy is the same! He’s now 16 months old and still holds his thumb in his fist sometimes.
To be honest it has lessened massively compared to 9 months ago. He would also grip things with his thumb in his fist. He was behind in his fine motor at his 10 month check but has caught up now.
I had him checked by a pead at 13 months as he still couldn’t do a pincer grip. He was just scooping everything. I mentioned the thumb in fist and the pead saw no issue. They thought he was using his hands absolutely fine and just thought that was his comfortable position.
He also didn’t babble consonants until about 7/8 months old.

At this age I wouldn’t worry. If it’s still an issue in a few months you could always mention it to your hv, but I’d see how the next few months go as by 1 they should be developing their pincer grip.
Hope that helps!

[Countrybumpkin19]

Thanks chickenandegg8, that makes me feel much better. I have just noticed today that my 5 year old holds her thumb in her fist when relaxing, and she is absolutely fine. Perhaps it's a weird genetic quirk!

[Chickenandegg8]

I think it may be! I didn’t even think about it until I saw my little boy doing it.... then realised I do it too!! 😂😂

[Littlesoul123]

How is he

[Littlesoul123]

Does he have full function