Fine Motor Development
1 year
Your child is learning about their body and the world around them. They’re learning to walk, run, and climb. They’re also learning to play while they sit, stand, or squat. You might notice them breaking down block towers, tearing pages, throwing objects, pulling off their hat or boots, or banging their spoon or cup. You’ll also see them explore toys and objects both with their hands and their mouth. They’re starting to develop control over objects at this stage, and it might seem like they want to destroy everything. This type of play is important for fine motor development.
Your 1-year-old
At this age, your child uses both hands equally well as they play with toys of different sizes. They’re learning to control their arm and hand movements to push, pull, bang, throw, carry, and guide toys. They’re in the early stages of learning to control finger movements as they turn knobs on a toy or try to fit simple shapes in a puzzle. They continue to pick up, drop, and place objects. For example, to stack blocks or cups. They mostly eat with their fingers and are learning to bring a spoon to their mouth. They’re also learning to hold a cup and bring it to their mouth. Spills are normal. When you dress them, you’ll notice they try to help by holding their arms steady or pushing or pulling their arm through the sleeve.
Everyday play and practice
Your 1-year-old’s fine motor skills develop as they play with toys and use everyday objects at mealtimes and snack times. Offer toys and objects that let them use both hands at the same time. They can:
- carry things, like shoes or a blanket, while they walk
- place objects in a laundry basket, then push it around or dump it over
- collect and carry toys, objects, or books in a basket
Along with blocks, your 1-year-old can stack things like bowls, cups, books, or boxes. Give your child objects and containers to fill and dump out. Use containers and objects of different sizes.
Offer opportunities for your child to try everyday activities and help them when they struggle.
- Encourage your child to eat with their fingers, try using a spoon, and hold and drink from an open cup. It might be messy, but it’s important to develop these skills.
- When dressing your child, pause and allow them to move their arms in or out of sleeves.
Help build your child’s fine motor skills
Think about:
- What objects they can stack.
- What toys or objects they can carry, push, or pull, either inside or outside.
- When it works best for you to allow them to help with dressing and undressing.
Be safe
- Stay with your baby if they’re on a high surface, such as bed.
- Avoid choking hazards, like small objects or toys, with parts that can easily break or fall off.
- Make sure toys and objects are made with safe materials and can be cleaned, washed, or wiped.
When should you call for help?
Your child may need more support if they:
- don’t use 2 fingers to hold small objects (pincer grasp)
- don’t use 1 hand at all
For more information or help with fine motor struggles, contact:
- Health Link at 811
- An occupational therapist at your local pediatric community rehabilitation service
- Your doctor, public health nurse, or other healthcare provider
Resources
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_fine_motor_dev_1_year_inst.
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Current as of: August 19, 2025
Author: Pediatric Rehabilitation Services, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
