Hand Preference in Children

Olivia was videotaped at 10 months and we would not expect to see a hand preference at that age. At 10 months of age, an infant should be exploring toys using both hands equally with the ability to play at midline. In fact, when a hand preference exists at 10 months, we consider it a sign of risk and this sign would require further evaluation or at least close monitoring. Normal hand preference has a wide range of normal development and happens at a much later age than once believed. Normal hand preference sometimes happens as early as three years of age. In a study by Ozturk, Durmazlar, Ural, Karaagaoglu, Zalaz, and Aniar (1999), the hand preferences of 1,456 children were observed through the use of the Denver Developmental Screening Tool. These researchers found that most children demonstrate a hand preference just before their 6th birthday. It was interesting that left handers tended to develop a preference earlier than right handers. As you see children in the clinic setting, observe their hand preference and note any questions you might have concerning performance.

Reference

Ozturk, C., Durmazlar, N., Ural, B., Karaagaoglu, E., Yalaz, K., & Aniar, B. (1999). Hand and eye preference in normal preschool children. Clinical Pediatrics, 38, 677-680.