Understanding Hand Preference in Infants: A Guide for Parents
From reaching for objects to scribbling with crayons, infants show emerging hand dominance that offers insights into their neurological and motor development. In this blog post we'll explore the journey of hand preference in infants, its significance, and how parents can support their child's development effectively.
Table of Contents
Understanding Hand Preference
Hand preference, also known as handedness or hand dominance, refers to the consistent use of one hand over the other for various tasks.
While infants initially exhibit a preference for one hand over the other, it becomes more pronounced as they grow older, typically emerging around 18 months to 2 years of age.
Understanding hand preference involves observing which hand your infant prefers to use for activities such as grasping objects, feeding, and reaching.
Why is establishing a hand preference important?
Fine Motor Skill Development: Hand preference plays a crucial role in the development of fine motor skills. When infants consistently use one hand over the other for tasks such as grasping objects, feeding, and drawing, they develop greater dexterity and precision in that hand. This allows them to perform tasks more efficiently and effectively as they grow older.
Bilateral Coordination: Having a dominant hand allows infants to develop bilateral coordination, the ability to use both hands together in a coordinated manner. This skill is essential for activities such as tying shoelaces, using scissors, and playing musical instruments. Establishing hand preference helps infants learn to coordinate the movements of both hands, leading to improved overall motor coordination.
Cognitive Development: Hand preference is closely linked to brain lateralization, the specialization of cognitive functions in specific hemispheres of the brain. As infants establish hand preference, the dominant hand becomes associated with the hemisphere responsible for motor control. This specialization supports the development of cognitive functions such as language, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving.
Efficiency and Consistency: Having a consistent hand preference allows infants to perform tasks with greater efficiency and consistency. They become more adept at using their dominant hand for activities that require fine motor skills, leading to smoother and more controlled movements. This efficiency enhances their ability to explore and interact with their environment, fostering cognitive and sensory development.
Self-confidence and Independence: As infants develop hand preference and master fine motor skills, they gain a sense of confidence and independence in their abilities. They become more self-sufficient in activities such as self-feeding, dressing themselves, and engaging in creative play. This sense of mastery contributes to their overall sense of well-being and self-esteem.
Factors that Influence Hand Preference
Genetic Factors: Research suggests that hand preference may have a genetic component, with left-handedness being more common in families with a history of left-handed individuals. However, genetics alone cannot fully account for hand preference, indicating the influence of other factors.
Brain Development: Hand preference is intricately linked to the lateralization of brain function, where specific cognitive functions are localized to hemispheres of the brain. As the brain matures, one hemisphere typically becomes more dominant for tasks such as language and motor skills, influencing hand preference.
Environmental Influences: Cultural practices, parental modelling, and early childhood experiences also play a significant role in shaping hand preference. Providing a stimulating environment with ample opportunities for exploration and fine motor skill development can support balanced hand development.
Early Signs of Hand Preference
While hand preference becomes more evident as infants grow older, there are subtle signs that parents can observe in younger infants.
Hand Clasping: Notice which hand your infant prefers to place on top when clasping their hands together. The dominant hand is often positioned on top.
Object Manipulation: Observe which hand your infant prefers to use when reaching for and grasping objects. The dominant hand may exhibit more precision and control.
Feeding Preferences: Pay attention to which hand your infant prefers to use when self-feeding or reaching for food items. This can provide clues about their emerging hand preference.
Why does my child hand swap?
There may be several reasons why your child has not yet developed a hand preference. Challenges like hand swapping or using the right hand exclusively on the right side and the left hand solely on the left side are often attributed to difficulties in bilateral coordination.
Proficient symmetrical bilateral hand skills, such as catching a ball with both hands or holding a cup with two hands are necessary for establishing a dominant hand successfully. Difficulties in crossing the midline can also impede the development of hand dominance.
Hand or arm fatigue may prompt hand swapping as a coping mechanism, particularly during early academic tasks. Allowing the child to take breaks when experiencing muscle fatigue can alleviate this challenge.
Tips to develop your child's hand preference
As parents, there are several ways you can support your child's emerging hand preference and overall motor development.
Provide a Stimulating Environment: Offer a variety of toys and activities that encourage fine motor skills development, such as stacking blocks, threading beads, and finger painting. These activities promote bilateral coordination and strengthen both hands.
Encourage Self-Help Skills: Allow your child to practice self-feeding with utensils, encouraging them to use their preferred hand. Offer support and encouragement as they develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Model Behaviour: Demonstrate tasks and activities using both hands to encourage bilateral coordination. Be mindful of your own hand preference and avoid imposing it on your child.
Seek Professional Guidance: If you have concerns about your child's hand preference or motor development, consult with a paediatrician or our occupational therapists for guidance. They can provide personalized strategies and support to address any underlying issues.
References
Bishop, D. V. M. (2013). Cerebral asymmetry and language development: Cause, correlate, or consequence? Science, 340(6138), 1230531.
Hand preference Occupational Therapy -Kids health information. (n.d.). https://www.rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/ot/InfoSheet_B.pdf
Leconte, P., & Fagard, J. (2004). Influence of familial sinistrality and paternal education on the development of hand preference: A study in 3- to 8-year-old children. Brain and Cognition, 55(2), 312–319.
McManus, I. C. (2009). The inheritance of left-handedness: Data, discussion, and implications. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 18(6), 348–353.
Michel, G. F. (2002). Development of infant handedness. Human Development, 45(4), 248–261.
Papadatou-Pastou, M., & Tomprou, D. M. (2020). Hand preference and its correlates in early development: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Developmental Psychobiology, 62(1), 45–59.
