6.5 month old baby not reaching for things

[Namatjl88]

My LO loves to put her hands in her mouth and use them to grab her feet as well. When placed on the activity mat, she will lift her legs to bang onto the toys above her head but not reaching out to grab. She will only grab things when I put them on top of her fingers.

I just seen my PD and she also noticed my LO delay in this particular milestone on reaching. PD suggested waiting till LO is 9 months old. If by then LO is still not reaching for things, she will refer LO to the OT.

I have been searching for similar cases online to find out if anyone who has got the same issue as my LO. Would they eventually grow up to be normal? Any comments would be appreciated.

I really wouldn't worry about it. There are so many things out there saying that our babies should be doing certain things by certain months but babies are all so individual and develop so differently, it just puts pressure on us and then we start pushing them to do it when they may not be ready. I'm sure your LO with reach for things when ready. My LO didn't start rolling until she was 10 months old! I wasn't worried but deep down I was wondering why but I just kept thinking she will do it when she's ready. Then almost out of the blue she rolled, crawled and starting standing up within four weeks of one another. Just don't worry, it will happen, meanwhile just enjoy every moment 😊

Hi Chump123, thanks for sharing your experience

I'm just worried that not reaching out intentionally to grab things is a sign of other underlying issues.

Here's an update.

LO did reach to grab the things (blanket, cloth books, bead necklace, link rings) I placed in front of her but not all the time. Sometimes she reached with her hands and tucked her arms beside her body.

She still prefers to grab her feet or grab both hands together though. I also noticed LO only put her hands in her mouth but doesn't like to put things in. She likes to scratch on surfaces using her nails too.

I really hope her behaviour is due to her personality and not developmental issue.

That all sounds absolutely normal to me! My LO was constantly putting her feet in her mouth until she got teeth! 😂 and also had her hands together. They don't constantly grab for things all the time at that age, wait a few more months and you'll be wishing your LO was grabbing less again 😉 it all sounds fine, I really would try not to worry. Try not to compare your LO to others as they all develop so differently and at such different paces