Hand function development in the second trimester
The second trimester is characterized by better hand-eye coordination, grasping toys, putting hands and toys in the mouth, exploring the world surrounding the child through "laboratory processing" using all the senses.
Body
Motor development
The right time to put the child on a flat solid surface (floor puzzle, carpet) when he/she is awake and feels like playing.
In the supine position, the child:
- puts his/her hands in his/her mouth
- raises his/her hands to grasp a toy and bring it to his/her mouth
- raises his/her legs towards the abdomen, rubs the feet together (the feet are used for "grasping", just as hands)
- rolls to the side
Turns from the back to the tummy:
- on the tummy, he/she rests first on the forearms, and later also on his/her extended arms
Development of object grasping and manipulation
- he/she places his/her open hands on an offered toy, raising both hands symmetrically to the toy
- when he/she grasps the toy, there are visible wrist movements in all directions: back and forth, to the side
- from the sixth month, he/she passes a toy from hand to hand
- he/she can hold one toy in each hand
Toys
- soft balls
- softer rattles
- different textures, colors, no loud sounds, safe to put in the mouth
- toy size adequate for hand size and grip
Child development is a complex process and all areas of development are intertwined. The hand is an "instrument" for grasping, and later it becomes important for support and protection, i.e. protection against falling on the head.
